Away team has the motive

Schalke are already qualified to the last 16 of the competition, their away loss in Porto (1-3) didn’t cost to them, as the outcome in the other game of Group D was convenient for the Germans. Tonight vs Lokomotiv Moscow is a quite relaxed game for Schalke, definitely a good performance is the point for D.Tedesco’s team, if they wish to stop their bad streak in Bundesliga. They are in the 14th place, only 3 points above relegation zone. The 33yo manager of Schalke has many concerns for tonight’s line up, especially in offense, as M.Uth and B.Embolo are definitely out, while G. Burgstaller and F. Di Santo are not 100% fit, and their participation in the squad is a last minute decision. S.Sané και N.Bentaleb will be rested, I do not rule out an even a wider rotation for home team.

The 3rd place of the group is the maximum that Lokomotiv Moscow could reach, actually they took their first points in the previous round vs Galatasaray (2-0). They need only to win tonight, combined with a draw (or loss) for Galatasaray in their own game vs Porto. In any other case the Turkish team will qualify. They only miss central defender V.Ćorluka, the Croatian is suspended. There are no other problems reported for Coach Y. Semin.

The away team has the motive tonight, Schalke is already in the last 16 of the competition, regardless the outcome in tonight's game. On the other hand, Lokomotiv Moscow only with a win could reach the 3rd place of the group. A wide rotation is expected for home team, definitely next Saturday’s game vs Augsburg is more important for D.Tedesco’s team. The value is on the away win, odds at 4.00+ are quite attractive.