Schalke vs Chelsea: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to tonight's match at the Veltins-Arena

(Getty Images)

Chelsea will look to secure the status of group-winner in their Champions League campaign against German side Schalke 04.

Roberto Di Matteo, the former Chelsea player who led the club to their Champions League victory back in 2012, was appointed manager of Schalke in October and will look for a victory over his old team.

It is the first job for the Italian since he left Stamford Bridge and is now the only obstacle the Blues have to overcome to become group-winner. Schalke are still looking for their first victory over Chelsea after drawing 1-1 in the first game last monthr and going down 3-0 in both group stage games last season.

Chelsea are currently unbeaten in all competitions so far this season and could be looking at one of the best in the club's history. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, who both scored in Saturdays 2-0 win over West Brom, will be the biggest threats to Schalke’s defence. Costa, who suffered from injuries earlier in the season, has proved to be the perfect match with Chelsea, having scored 11 times in 10 Premier League appearances and seven times in four Champions League games.

Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who scored the equalising goal against the Blues last October, is only one booking away from suspension for the next game. The Dutchmen has scored three times in his four Champions League games this season for Schalke, who have won their last four at home.

Kick-off: Tuesday 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS...

Chelsea 1 (Fabregas) – 1 Schalke 04 (Huntelaar) We 17 Sep 2014

Chelsea 3 (Eto’o 31, 54, Demba Ba) – 0 Schalke 04 We 06 Nov 2013

Schalke 0 – 3 Chelsea (Torres 5, 68, Hazard) Tue 22 Oct 2013

STATS...

Chelsea has won all four Champions League games, scoring 15 times

The Blues are 18 matches into the 2014/2015 season unbeaten winning 14 and drawing four.

Diego Costa has scored seven times in four appearances

Shalke have won four and lost three since di Matteo was appointed. All wins have been secured at home, all the defeats were suffered away.

ODDS...

Shalke to win 4.4

Draw 2.6

Chelsea to win 1.8

TV: Sky Sports 5