Ballack expects 'masterful win' for Man City against Schalke

Michael Ballack believes Manchester City is overwhelming favourite in its Champions League last-16 tie with Schalke.

Manchester City players celebrating

Anything other than a "masterful win" for Manchester City over Schalke in the Champions League would be a surprise to Michael Ballack.

Premier League champion City takes on the Bundesliga's 14th-placed side in the first leg of its last-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday.

Domenico Tedesco's side has won just one of its past five matches in all competitions, while City has been victorious in 12 of its previous 13 outings.

Read: Jesus, Stones miss City's training ahead of Schalke clash

Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder Ballack believes it is the most one-sided draw in the Champions League and is anticipating routine progression for Pep Guardiola's men.

 

Ballack told Omnisport: "If you look at their performance they [Schalke] are the big underdog.

"Anything but a masterful win by Man City would surprise me, but Schalke has nothing to lose. They can maybe try a tactical trick or surprise the opponent with a powerful game.

"There is not much that could make me confident that Schalke could win this match because they didn't show any strengths in the last matches.

"To be honest, I have to say that between these two opponents there is the biggest gap of all the matches."