Schalke face Steaua Bucharest in a game that can secure their Champions League expectations at the Stadionul Steaua. Schalke can secure their spot in the final sixteen tomorrow night with three points against the Romanian outfit. However, qualification from matchday five is pending on Chelsea's result away to Basel, who unexpectedly beat them in the reverse fixture. Meanwhile for Steaua, if they have any hope of reaching the knock-out phases, three points in a must Tuesday evening. If they fail to do so, the already unlikely dream will be shattered. 

Steaua will be without some first-team names for their crunch clash. Midfield man Paul Pîrvulescu is unavailable through illness, whilst; Leandro Tatu in unavailable through a knee complaint. However, top-scorer Federico Piovaccari is costless to start - despite not training all week.

For Schalke, Ralf Fährmann is expected to stand in for the injured Timo Hildebrand due to a hip complaint. Leon Goretzka also hasn't travelled with the squad due to illness. A boost for Schalke though, as Chinedu  Obasi travels and could be in line to make his first appearance since April; after successfully recovering from a tibia injury. Manager Jens Keller will be sweating over Julian Draxler's availability. Schalke's star is currently suffering from flu, with uncertainty looming over the prospect of him making this crunch clash.

Bucharest boss Laurenţiu Reghecampf has highlighted the importance of this fixture for his side;

"Obviously it is a very important match for us. Actually, it is our last chance, because if do will not win – and a win is our only option – our chances of qualifying for the knockout stages will be zero." He's certainly raising the stakes yet remaining grounded; now he needs a response from his team.

Reghecampf's opposing number Jens Keller has played down suggestions this game is the forefront of Schalke's European hopes; 

"I would not regard this as a decisive match because we still have one game against Basel, but it is a very important one. If we win, we will take an important step towards our goal of playing in the knockout stage."

Keller also states that his side are fully aware of the threat posed by their opponents; 

"We are well aware of the strength of our opponents – for them it's the last chance to finish third or, though this is a lot more difficult, second. We are well prepared and we know that we're playing against an aggressive team."

This game will prove critical for either sides' fate of progression in the Champions Lleague.
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About the author
Liam  Lee
Bundesliga writer