Dan Billinghurst has a goalscoring tip for tonight’s Champions League 2nd leg between Schalke and Valencia – read it here

Last 16, second leg, kick-off: 19:45 (BST)
Schalke (1) v Valencia (1)

Schalke boss Felix Magath is expecting an open game for tonight’s visit of Valencia, while opposition coach Unai Emery says he has “a clear plan” to turn the tie in his side’s favour.

Magath is pleased with the current form of his team and insists that they will not be playing for a goalless draw following the 1-1 first leg scoreline in Spain three weeks ago.

“I have been brought here to start a refit of the club,” said Magath. “We are right in the middle of this process, and I am very pleased so far. We are playing well in the Champions League, which is something I had promised, and we have reached the German Cup final, winning at Bayern [Munich] in the semi-finals. Considering this is a transitional year, we have achieved quite a lot.

“Playing for a 0-0 draw against Valencia is too risky. Experience shows that pressure tends to mount towards the end of games like this and you never know if you will be able to cope.

“Any late goal could be a winner, so there is no way that we will drop deep and wait. Valencia have to score and they have their weaknesses at the back, so they will most likely play attacking football too. It will probably be a fascinating game to watch.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar misses out with a knee injury, with Magath explaining: “He is making progess, but cannot play yet.” Lukas Schmitz is also out due to a one-match ban.

Valencia coach Emery is confident his side will produce a strong performance in Germany.

“We know Schalke have a small edge on us due to their home advantage,” he said. “They are not doing so well in the Bundesliga, but they are strong in the cup and the Champions League, and they will punish every mistake we make. However, I am certain that we will put in a good performance.

“We can play better as a team than we did in the first leg, but the first leg is history; only this game counts now. We have formulated a clear plan and now have to put it into action.

“Schalke have their own style and are a great side, which they showed with the 1-1 draw in the first leg. They are a very strong side that can keep up the tempo for 90 minutes, but we know where our strengths lie.

David Albelda is available for the visitors after serving a one-match ban in the first leg, while Aritz Aduriz is available after shaking off an ankle injury.

Dan Billinghurst has a goalscoring tip for tonight’s Champions League 2nd leg between Schalke and Valencia – read it here

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