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Selecting Drogba over Burak Yilmaz would be a huge risk - our expert panel debate the Champions League last 16
20 Feb 2013 09:00:00
With the return of the Champions League, James Richardson and Goal.com's panel of experts discuss the key talking points at Wembley
When the last 16 draw was made, many backed Schalke to ease their way past Galatasaray following a group stage campaign which saw them top their group, having beaten Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.But contrasting changes during the January transfer window has seen this tie, and opinion surrounding it, turn on it's head. The Turkish outfit strengthened their ranks while Schalke, meanwhile, have lost one of their biggest assets, something which Goal.com's Carlo Garganese feels will play heavy on the tie.
"Lewis Holtby was their most creative midfielder, and, back in October, Schalke were one of he most in form teams in Europe."
"They beat Arsenal, cruised through their group, but they've just collapsed since then," he added. "Galatasaray go into this game as favourites."
But while Schalke have lost one of their stars, Goal.com's Pete Staunton feels Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim would be unwise to change his line-up, simply to accommodate new man Didier Drogba.
"Don't forget this is a team that put together three consecutive wins to qualify second behind Manchester United. It would be unwise for Terim to immediately turn to Drogba and Sniejder and disrupt his entire system just to accommodate them."
"Drogba over the past year has been a moderate success in China," he continued. "Then, at the Afcon, he didn't really impress. He looked short of fitness, and his touch looked a little bit off, so it would be a huge risk to drop Burak Yilmaz in order to accomodate him."
So there you have it. Carlo is backing Galatasaray to go though, but Pete thinks Schalke's Champions League experience will see them edge it. What do you think?
If you have any questions for our experts, just send your questions to our Twitter using the #AskGoal hashtag.
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