Schalke 04 vs Wolfsburg preview - Schalke braced for tough tests

Roberto Di Matteo is to face the acid test of his first month in charge of Schalke over the coming week with two crucial home fixtures.

First up are second-placed Wolfsburg, who have won their last six Bundesliga games, before Di Matteo's former club Chelsea pay the Arena AufSchalke a visit in another must-win match for the Royal Blues.

"We've got a good record to show from our home games so far," said the Italian. "That makes us strong psychologically and we hope to be able to carry it forwards."

Since Schalke have lost all three of their away games under the former West Brom and Chelsea coach, ensuring the Arena AufSchalke remains a fortress is paramount if they are not to lose sight of their ambitions this season.

Di Matteo therefore hopes the supporters can be his side's 12th man again on Saturday as they seek a fifth home win in six matches.

"Our fans always give us amazing support at home and the team feels this too," he said. "It's certainly going to be an interesting and difficult game."

Schalke have beaten the Wolves in their last four meetings in Gelsenkirchen, meaning one winning streak will come to an end this Saturday.

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking hopes it is not his side who lose their momentum from six straight Bundesliga victories.

"Our aim is to take all three points," he said at a press conference. "We want to ensure the final third of the first half of the season is very successful."

Wolfsburg are currently Bayern Munich's nearest challengers at the top of the table, with only four points between the two sides who will get the second half of the season under way with their meeting at the VW-Arena at the end of January.

"I think we're going to be really put to the test this Saturday, but Schalke can rest assured that we're going to test them to the full too," Hecking added.