Both sitting on four points after two games, Wolfsburg and Schalke will be hoping to gain an extra step over the other in the race for European places this season.

Team News

Wolfsburg: It hasn't been a quiet week for Wolfsburg, with further speculation surrounding the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. With Manchester City waiting to snap up the Belgian, Dieter Hecking is likely to make a decision on whether De Bruyne plays on Friday. Ivan Perisic could also be on his way out of the club but is expected to be in the squad.

Injuries are a slight concern for last season's runners up with first choice 'keeper Diego Benaglio still nursing a back injury. Andre Schürrle has returned to training but his thigh injury is set to rule him out for the match against Schalke.

After a 2-1 win on the opening weekend against Frankfurt, Hecking's side needed a late goal to salvage a point against Köln. The two results leave Wolfsburg sitting in sixth on four points, two places behind their next opponents.

Projected XI: Casteels; Vierinha, Naldo, Klose, Rodriguez; Arnold, Luis Gustavo; Kruse, De Bruyne, Perisic; Dost

Schalke: A sixth place finish last season was disappointing for Schalke's standards and under new boss, Andre Breitenreiter, they've started the 2015-16 campaign well. The new season has brought speculation over futures, similar to Wolfsburg. Julian Draxler has been subject to interest from multiple European clubs but the rumours aren't expected to affect his starting role.

Elsewhere in the side injuries have plagued Schalke's backline with Matija Nastasic out until the new year but Benedikt Höwedes is close to a return. Fabian Geifer and Atsuto Uchida could make their return to the side for Friday's match.

Fourth place after two games is a good start for Breitenreiter's side but an early season win over Wolfsburg could prove that they can bounce back from last season's disappointing finish.

Projected XI: Fahrmann; Aogo, Neustadter, Matip, Uchida; Draxler, Geis, Hoger, Choupo-Moting; Sane, Huntelaar.

Background

This fixture last season saw both sides take home a point in a 1-1 draw while the reverse fixture ended 3-2 in favour of Schalke.

Schalke have won five of the last seven meetings between the two while Wolfsburg have won just once.

Players To Watch

Wolfsburg - Kevin De Bruyne: If he plays, the Belgian is dangerous. Last season he set a Bundesliga record for most assists and has the quality to influence a result with just one or two passes.

Schalke - Leroy Sane: The 19-year old winger burst on the scene last season and his ability to beat players with lightning quick pace is a test for any defender, young or old. Sane has a bright future ahead of him with Schalke.