Schalke can all but secure the first place in Group B with another victory over Arsenal, whereas the Gunners cannot afford to lose this game if they are to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Boosted by the heavy summer recruitment, the Miners enjoyed a bright start to the season, having done really well on all fronts in the opening exchanges.

After taking four points from two opening Champions League fixtures, Huub Stevens’ side impressed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates and they are now in the driving seat to qualify for the knockout stages.

On top of that, Schalke have done pretty well in their domestic campaign, climbing to the second place in the standings, although weekend’s defeat to Hoffenheim ended their three-match winning run in the league.

The Miners are now odds-on favourites to record another victory over Arsenal, with Ladbrokes paying 1.91 (10/11) on home win.

Apart from long-term casualties Christoph Metzelder and Marco Hoger, boss Huub Stevens will have full squad to choose from.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Unnerstall – Uchida, Howedes, Matip, Fuchs – Jones, Neustadter – Farfan, Holtby, Afellay – Huntelaar.

Just when it seemed that Arsenal had hit the ground running following the slow start to the season, the Gunners suffered a huge dip in form and now find themselves in a very difficult situation.

Two defeats in last three Premier League games set them back a great deal in the top 4 chase, while home defeat to Schalke even put their Champions League qualifying hopes in doubt.

Dismal performance in the 2-1 defeat to arch rivals Manchester United further worsened the atmosphere in the squad, so no wonder the Gunners are as much as 4.20 (16/5) with SkyBet to triumph in Germany.

Aaron Ramsey looks set to miss out through a groin injury, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is doubtful with a hip problem.

Kieran Gibbs is close to returning into action, but this game comes too soon for him. Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Gervinho and Wojciech Szczesny remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Mannone – Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos – Arteta, Wilshire – Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski – Giroud.