week 5 - match preview

Schalke out to maintain chance of progression in Valencia

At the start of the current Champions League campaign began no one would have thought Valencia would be in danger of elimination from Europe's premier club competition when they take on Schalke this Wednesday. "They have to go forward", confirmed Schalke boss Mirko Slomka. "And that could be a slight advantage for us."

The Champions League finalists of 2000 and 2001 have struggled at the Mestalla this season, losing three of their six home fixtures in La Liga and failing to take a point from their previous group games against Chelsea and Rosenborg. "They're having problems at home because they often spread the ball wide and rarely play it over the top", said Slomka, aware of the reasons for Valencia's poor home form. "But they showed what they are capable of when they beat us 1-0 at the Arena."

The 3-2 win at Hannover 96 on Saturday has given the Royal Blues a huge confidence boost. "If we play really well we can win in Valencia as well", said Slomka. "That has to be our objective, even if it puts them out of Europe."

Though Slomka was reluctant to reveal his tactics, he made no secret of the fact that "we will definitely operate with a back four and two holding players in midfield". Asked what footage he would be showing during the team talk at the club hotel, the Schalke boss said: "It will be a broad mix with lots of scenes from the reverse fixture as well as footage from other Valencia games. The players have to know where Valencia are vulnerable, but also understand where their strengths lie and what mistakes we need to avoid."

Because the aim of the trip to Spain is clear: the Royal Blues are out to maintain their chance of progressing to the first knockout round of the Champions League. "We want to get a result that will put us in a position where we can settle things in our favour when we play Rosenborg on the final day", said Slomka.