Boss Roberto Di Matteo will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins as Schalke 04 take on Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

The former Chelsea coach began his reign at the Veltins-Arena with a 2-0 victory against Hertha Berlin as the Royal Blues look to recover from a poor start to the season.

Saturday's triumph moved them up to ninth position in the Bundesliga, but they are still searching for their first success in Europe after draws against Chelsea and Maribor.

Sporting are also looking to record maximum points for the first time in this year's tournament after losing at home to Chelsea on matchday two.

However, they were unfortunate not to gain a result against the 2012 winners, and that setback remains their only loss in all competitions.

Marco Silva's team recorded an impressive 3-1 victory away at Porto in the Taca de Portugal at the weekend, with Nani, who is on loan from Manchester United, netting his fourth of the season as he continues to impress at Estadio Jose Alvalade

Recent form

Schalke 04: WWDLW

Sporting Lisbon: WDLWW

Possible starting lineups

Schalke 04: Fahrmann, Uchida, Fuchs, Howedes, Ayhan, Boateng, Aogo, Neustadter, Draxler, Huntelaar, Choupo-Moting

Sporting Lisbon: Rui Patricio, Jefferson, Cedric, Paulo Oliveira, Sarr, Nani, Andre Martins, William Carvalho, Joao Mario, Slimani, Carrillo

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Previews by email