It will be up to revived Schalke to try and stop high-flying Real Madrid in their tracks when the two sides meet in the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 phase clash.

Having just climbed to the La Liga summit, los Blancos will fancy their chances of winning at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Following some under-par performances, Schalke were able to raise their form ahead of the winter break, but many believe the Miners would not be able to keep the rich vein of form when their season resumed.

Nevertheless, with key striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar finally returning into action, the Miners enjoyed an excellent start to the New Year, winning four straight Bundesliga matches before sharing spoils with Mainz at the weekend.

This should give Jens Keller’s side reason for optimism ahead of the Champions League match against Real Madrid, where the hosts are no less than 8.00 (7/1) to emerge victorious.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar will have a special motive to gain revenge on his former club and he is 3.60 (13/5) to score anytime.

Benedikt Howedes and Julian Draxler have resumed full training, but only the former is expected to start against los Merengues.

Christian Clemens, Dennis Aogo, Marco Hoger and Atsuto Uchida continue to miss out, but Christian Fuchs and Chinedu Obasi should be fit to play.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Fahrmann – Howedes, Matip, Santana, Kolasinac – Boateng, Neustadter – Farfan, Meyer, Goretzka – Huntelaar.

Real Madrid have managed to turn this season around following a somewhat slow start to the campaign and they are finally in the driving seat in the league.

Los Blancos took great advantage of Barcelona and Atletico slip-ups to move three points clear at the top of La Liga, but La Decima remains their number one goal for the current season.

Real Madrid are extremely motivated to try and lift their tenth European Cup trophy this term and they are 6.00 (5/1) to succeed in their quest.

Los Blancos will first have to get past very good Schalke side, although they have been made 1.45 (9/20) favourites to win at Veltins Arena.

Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo are back from domestic suspension, meaning Sami Khedira remains the only unavailable player.

Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao are likely to be in contention for starting places after they missed the weekend’s triumph over Elche.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo – Alonso, Modric – Bale, Di Maria, Ronaldo – Benzema.