Galatasaray v Schalke Tip

Just keeping it really simple for this match. I can’t see a better bet than the straightforward punt on Galatasaray to win and take a lead back to Germany - a best price 5/4 with StanJames. When you look at the form book, the hosts really should be heavily odds-on.

Schalke have self-destructed since the group stages ended and arrive in Turkey off the back of one win in 14 matches. Their slide down the Bundesliga table has been dramatic and the results have been those of a relegation candidate since 3 November (W2 D3 L7). Even the one game they’ve won in 2013 saw them concede four goals as the defence has been routinely torn to shreds.

The last person you want to see in these circumstances is probably Didier Drogba. The former Chelsea favourite arrived in Turkey last month alongside the additional marquee signing of Wesley Sneijder. Both superstars may be past their peaks but both have also had enough recent success in Champions League campaigns to prevent them being written off.

Galatasaray already carried a significant goal threat through Umut Bulut and Burak Yilmaz who have contributed 32 goals between them this season. I don’t see Schalke having an answer at this moment in time. The Germans’ new boss, Jens Keller, hardly sounded a positive note when he declared there was a “curse” afflicting his team. It should not be lifted on Wednesday.

* The PaddyPower price in the live odds-box is out-dated. The best price is indeed the 5/4 with StanJames. Just click on the 5/4 to be taken directly to that bet.