“Playing as unpredictably as them”

Positive signs

Sunday's clash is rather reminiscent of Hoffenheim's last game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. In Schalke, TSG face another opponent with an extraordinarily talented attack, who have already played during the week and are fighting it out to qualify for the Champions League next season. And after last week's surprise 2-1 victory at Borussia Park, manager Babbel is hoping his side can claim another scalp, this time at home. “We know that we're facing a team which is very dangerous in the final third. But their defeat against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League showed that they can be got at”, he said at Friday's press conference. In any case, a victory against the team boasting Raul and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, among others, will only be possible through hard work, concentration and application.

Learning the right lessons

“Schalke are a team that can up their game and move through the gears in an instant. They are totally unpredictable because they always change the tempo of a game. And in Raul and Huntelaar, they have two players who only need a sniff of goal to find the back of the net”, admitted Babbel. But he remains confident that his team can limit their opponents, provided they do the basics well. Indeed, elementary errors have irked the ex-Hertha BSC Berlin boss in recent weeks. But Thursday's result against Bilbao has given him added reason to feel upbeat. “Bilbao showed that, through quick counter-attacking football, Schalke are vulnerable. We need to learn the lessons from that game.”

Lakic back in the squad?

Regarding personnel, Babbel must do without the services of central defender Marvin Compper, who misses out through suspension. Andreas Ibertsberger is also unavailable; his rehabilitation from a chronic back injury is not yet complete. But on a more positive note, Croatian striker Srdjan Lakic is expected to be included in the matchday squad for the first time in four weeks, since he injured his ankle against 1. FC Köln.

Hildebrand's return

There will be a familiar face returning to Hoffenheim with the Schalke 04 squad. Goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand kept goal for TSG for two years between 2008 and 2010, helping the club finish 7th in its first season in Germany's top flight. “Hoffenheim was my last club in Germany and of course I'm looking forward to going back. I had a great time there and, although the face of the team might have changed, the main figures at the club are still the same. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing one or two old friends”, said the 32-year-old in a recent interview with achtzehn99.de. Hildebrand will not be able to play due to an injury suffered against Bilbao, meaning Mathias Schober will deputise for him.

A good home record

Although 1899 have taken just 11 points off Schalke in seven Bundesliga meetings, eight of those have come at home, with two wins and two draws. “We haven't won many home games recently, but we can start on Sunday. What will help is if we can be as unpredictable as them”, joked Babbel.

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