Schalke 04 vs Bayer Leverkusen preview - Di Matteo in battle for Europe

Roberto Di Matteo has labelled Schalke's clash with Bayer Leverkusen this Saturday a "six-pointer" with both sides in the hunt for a place in the Champions League next season.

The Royal Blues were eliminated from Europe's elite club competition last week despite a 4-3 win at Real Madrid while Leverkusen had their hearts broken in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Both clubs are back in Bundesliga action with the sole aim of qualifying again next season, and the Schalke coach has made no attempt to understate how big Saturday's game is going to be.

"I think you can call it a six-pointer," he said.

"They are direct rivals for a place in the Champions League and I know Leverkusen are dangerous opponents for us, but we've got to be positive.

"We've got a good record at home and I hope this will be an advantage for us."

Di Matteo does not see it as an advantage that Leverkusen arrive in Gelsenkirchen still reeling from Tuesday's cruel defeat.

"We suffered the same disappointment last week of going so close to qualifying but not making it," he said.

"I can't speak for Leverkusen, but I know that for us it was good to have another game again after just a few days."

Di Matteo is set to keep faith in rookie goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, even though Ralf Fahrmann could be fit again and in the squad.

"The lad's got my faith," said the Italian. "We had a good chat this week and I'm sure Timon will perform well."

Jefferson Farfan and Julian Draxler are both back in training, but not yet ready to return, meanwhile.

Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt shares Di Matteo's views on how important Saturday's game is to both sides in the chase for a top-four finish.

"We're going to be self-confident because we know we can pick up points against a direct rival for a place in Europe," he said. "We want something from this game.

"I'm convinced we'll be in good shape. We know how important this game is."

Lars Bender is Schmidt's only real doubt, although there could be a few more tired legs after the 120 minutes plus penalties in Madrid in midweek.