2228: Time for me to say farewell. Manchester United were very good, and Schalke were very bad, apart from their goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - a place in the Champions League final seems a certainty for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. The same could be said for Stoke and Wolves, and Wayne Hennessey... only it is a place in the Championship that is beckoning for Mick McCarthy's side. Thanks for keeping me company and be sure to join Sam Lyon on Wednesday for Real Madrid versus Barca. Bye for now.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy after his side's defeat by Stoke: "We were well beaten. It was very surprising we weren't at it tonight. If it wasn't for Wayne Hennessey the scoreline would have been more embarrassing."

2220: Next up for United? A trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Sunday, then the return leg against Schalke at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Two games that no longer seem to represent quite as big a hurdle as they might have done... agree?

FULL-TIME Stoke City 3-0 Wolves
Saj Chowdhuryreports: "An inexcusable display from Wolves keeps them in the bottom three. They cannot afford any repeat performances with four games remaining. Stoke produced another assured home performance, it's just a shame about the injury to Matthew Etherington."

FULL-TIME Schalke 04 0-2 Man Utd
Jonathan Stevensonreports: "After 67 minutes of goalkeeping genius, Man United eventually bagged the breakthrough they deserved and the second leg is now a formality. Man Utd v Real Madrid/Barcelona*. * Delete as appropriate."

2211: Two games tonight, and two one-sided wins. Here's how our reporters saw them...

2208: Potters fans will be keeping their fingers crossed until the results come through, then. Stoke will already be without Ricardo Fuller against Manchester City - Fuller was ruled out today with an Achilles injury.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis on Matthew Etherington's hopes of being fit for the FA Cup final: "We're worried about Matthew and what damage he's done to his hamstring. We're hoping and praying he'll be fit. He'll have a scan on Wednesday."

Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Ryan Giggs becomes the oldest ever goalscorer in the Champions League at the age of 37 years and 148 days. He overtakes Filippo Inzaghi (37 and 86)."

From anon, via text: "Re Karl. And possibly Inter Milan as well."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer: "I think when Chicharito scored at 0-0, but was offside, it showed the other players they could beat this goalkeeper! He was fantastic. It was one of the best performances I have seen against Manchester United."

mattharding007 on Twitter: "That'll do nicely! Thought it'd be a much tougher match tonight but just what Utd needed before Arsenal on Sunday."

Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Edwin van der Sar has kept his 50th solo clean sheet in the Champions League. No other goalkeeper has achieved this milestone."

2147: By the looks of things tonight, Stoke are not distracted by thoughts of their trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final but, like Schalke, Wolves did not put up much opposition. The only cloud on the Potters' horizon is that injury to Matty Etherington. More news on that when I get it.

From Karl, via text: "Re 2125. United only managed to put one past Crawley Town. Does that mean Crawley are better than Schalke? You know what? Maybe."

Former England boss Graham Taylor at Ventins Arena on BBC Radio 5 live: "It's hard to think at any level of a one sided game, to see one in the semi-final of the Champions League is a surprise. Once United started playing you could see the difference between the two sides, they are 10th in the Bundesliga and they looked like a team that are there. Credit to United, they still had to do the job and they did it. It will be a miracle if Schalke go to Old Trafford and get anything."

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney after his side's comfortable win over Schalke: "I think we played really well tonight and fully deserved the victory but we are a bit disappointed we didn't take more of our chances. But is was still a good away win for us and we have to be professional and finish the job off at home. We won't take them lightly."

JonRidge on Twitter: "Deserved win for United, bring on the Arsenal next!"

OptaJoe on Twitter: "1 - Man Utd have won a CL knockout stage game in Germany for the first time, after 3 defeats & a draw previously. Stroll."

2136: They are still playing at the Britannia Stadium, but the game was up for Wolves some time ago. They will remain second-bottom of the Premier League and their goal-difference has taken one heck of a beating tonight too.

2135: So, it looks very much like it will be Manchester United versus Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley on 28 May. It's not over yet, but how on earth did Schalke manage to get to the semi-finals?

2132: There will be three minutes of added time in Germany, and we have had two of them already. Schalke almost had a sniff of goal then but the ball ran away from Raul, who has been largely anonymous tonight.

2131: Jon Walters sends a fierce shot just wide for Stoke. Wolves just cannot wait for this game to end.

2131: Who has been United's best player tonight? Take your pick. But for my money Michael Carrick has been most impressive of all, helping his side to be utterly dominant in midfield. Anyway, while I dish out the plaudits, United are on the attack again and Manuel Neuer has to rush off his line to deny Ryan Giggs.

2128: Patrice Evra comes within an inch of scoring United's third goal. Nani dinks the ball over the Schalke defence and Evra's angled shot beats Manuel Neuer but rolls just the wrong side of his left-hand post. We are into the last minute of normal time at Veltins Arena.

2127: Stoke are also having an easy time of it, and probably should have had a fourth goal. Kenwyne Jones nods wide from point-blank range and he should have done an awful lot better from there.

2125: Nani latches on to a long ball over the top but United are not in much of a rush to get forward to support him. Even on his own, though, he can keep hold of the ball easily enough. I think Crawley gave United a tougher game when they played them in the FA Cup.

Meresider1 on Twitter: "After watching this game I now understand why Neuer ants to move on! He definitely earns his wage playing behind this defence."

2122: More changes. Nani is coming on for United, replacing Wayne Rooney... who is making a much happier exit than his last appearance here, when he was sent off against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup. For Schalke, Julian Drazler is on for Jose Jurado.

2121: Well, Schalke are still trying. Sergio Escudero fires in a shot from 25 yards out but Edwin van der Sar is across to dive to his left and keep it out. A great save by the veteran.

TheHussler101 on Twitter: "I can see why Schalke are 10th in the Bundesliga..."

2117: Right, just over 10 minutes left at the Veltins Arena. United are still in complete control and dominating possession. This is like a practice match.

From Peter Kearns in Bognor Regis, via text: "Wolves are heading to the Championship, shocking defending on the night."

2115: News from Stoke, where Jermaine Pennant gets a standing ovation when he is replaced by Danny Pugh. The closest Wolves have come to pulling a goal back was when Christophe Berra headed a Matt Jarvis cross over the bar.

rohanpassey on Twitter: "Do Schalke even HAVE a defence? This could end up being any score United want!"

2113: Changes for both sides. Schalke bring on Sergio Escudero for Hans Sarpei and United replace Javier Hernandez and Ji-Sung Park with Paul Scholes and Anderson.

Man Utd goal: In a word, the Schalke defence has been awful. And that is being kind. Anyway, United quickly extend their lead when Javier Hernandez is allowed to run on to a loose ball and slide Wayne Rooney clear - and he supplies a cool finish. United should really wrap this tie up tonight, and another goal should do it.

Man Utd goal: Not even Manuel Neuer can keep this one out. The Schalke defence is carved apart by Wayne Rooney's delicious through-ball and Ryan Giggs is clean through to slot it through Neuer's legs. At last, United make the breakthrough.

2106: Edwin van der Sar has to make his first save for a very long time, when Edu lets fly from a long way out. Not a bad effort, but van der Sar made it look easy.

OptaJoe on Twitter: "56 - Michael Carrick made a game-high 56 passes in the first half v Schalke, completing 91% of them. Conductor."

2102: Half an hour to go in Germany, where it is still 0-0. If United fail to score here, then they have let a massive opportunity go begging. Having said that, Schalke have improved of late and Rio Ferdinand has to head clear from a dangerous Raul cross. Is the tide about to turn?

jackobviously on Twitter: "United should bring Nani on for Park. Don't need Park's battling half as much as we thought. Nani could be the difference."

2059: Fabio becomes the first United player to be booked tonight, when he fouls Jose Jurado. Jefferson Farfan whips in the free-kick but it is United who threaten when they break quickly. Sadly for them, Patrice Evra tries to play in Antionio Valencia, who was offside instead of playing a simple pass to Wayne Rooney who would have been clean through. Rooney lets him know his feelings in no uncertain terms.

2057: Probably Wolves' best attack of the night, which isn't saying much. Stephen Ward tries a close-range overhead kick but Stoke have enough men between him and the goal to block and clear the danger.

Stoke goal: Jermaine Pennant gets the goal his display has deserved, getting on the end of a deflected Jon Walters cross to score with a shot that take another big deflection off Jody Craddock. As things stand, Stoke are safe and Wolves are in big, big trouble. They just haven't turned up tonight.

2054: Another opportunity comes and goes for United. Nemanja Vidic tries to flick home at the near post, but his shot is blocked.

2053: A rare chance for Schalke. Jefferson Farfan's cross is half-cleared by Nemanja Vidic and falls for Jose Jurado, who has time to take a touch but lashes his shot well off target. The Germans have made a change too, with Peer Kluge on for Alexander Baumjohann.

2051: A chance for Stoke to kill their game off. The Wolves defence backs off as Jon Walters advances, but he drags his low shot wide.

2050: United have the ball in the back of the net, after Javier Hernandez gets on the end of a deflected Ryan Giggs pass. Just a shame for United that the linesman's flag is up. A nice finish, but Hernandez was just offside.

2049: We have restarted at the Britannia Stadium too. Work to do for Wolves there.

2047: When you are facing one of the best goalkeeping performances of all-time, you have to be to be absolutely ruthless in front of goal, but Ryan Giggs is the absolute opposite here. Antonio Valencia's cross is allowed to reach Giggs at the far post and he has time to pick his spot after cutting inside... but skews his shot hopelessly wide. Is it going to be one of those nights for United?

2046: Here we go again. Ryan Giggs bends in the free-kick and Patrice Evra glances the header goalwards... only to be denied by Manuel Neuer, who is proving himself to be unbeatable. So far, anyway.

Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking at half-time: "Neuer's made some fantastic saves and that's the difference at the moment. But we will keep up the intensity in the second half and we'll keep concentrating too, we don't want to lose a goal."

2045: We are back under way at the Veltins Arena.

2044: Sounds like Barca boss Pep Guardiola's media conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid was pretty lively (to say the least). Guardiola launched a tirade of abuse at Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, after Mourinho accused Guardiola of going too far in criticizing the Portuguese nationality of a possible referee. The game probably won't be bad either.

Former England boss Graham Taylor at Veltins Arena on BBC Radio 5 live: "Man Utd are going through them as if they're not there, Schalke are shell-shocked. They came out and said we'll show you what we're about but as the game went on, Man Utd just came on to them. Neuer has been superb. He stands up to attackers, it's what the great keepers do - who makes the first move? Neuer's mental strength is immense."

DaveWood92 on Twitter: "Well I think man of the match has already pretty much been decided!"

From Paul in Manchester, via text: "How did Inter concede five at home to Schalke? They look like rabbits in the headlights out there."

MikeAaronhall on Twitter: "Neuer should be tested for illegal substances like glue and magnets!"

2035: HALF-TIME: Stoke City 2-0 Wolves
Saj Chowdhury's HT snapshot: "Stoke deserve their two-goal lead and could have had more. However, their joy has been tempered by the injury to Matthew Etherington. Wolves have showed none of the bite they displayed against Fulham at the weekend - they need to rediscover that after the break."

HALF-TIME: Schalke 04 0-0 Man Utd
Jonathan Stevenson's HT snapshot: "If Man United hadn't come up against the 45-minute goalkeeping performance of the season, they'd be 4-0 up already and the tie would be over. Neutrals - thank Manuel Neuer. He's a real-life super hero."

Stoke goal: Wayne Hennessey makes a superb save to deny Dean Whitehead before the goalkeeper pushes Ryan Shawcross header ove the bar, but Stoke are not to be denied. From the resulting corner, Glenn Whelan's shot is going wide until Ryan Shawcross diverts it past Hennessey from close range.

2029: This is getting ridiculous. Wayne Rooney helps to send Ryan Giggs clear and he is one-on-one with Manuel Neuer, who makes a typically brilliant reaction stop. The half-time whistle has gone at the Veltins Arena, where it is somehow still 0-0.

2028: Manuel Neuer has got a throw on him, hasn't he? He can hurl the ball beyond the half-way line but this time gives the ball to United, who pour forward again. Ryan Giggs whips in a dangerous cross from the left but Kyriakos Papadopoulos heads clear from under his own crossbar.

2026: No sign of a Wolves fightback at the Britannia. Five minutes until half-time and Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic is yet to make a save of note.

whereswalters1 on Twitter: "This is the most one-sided 0-0 you will ever see."

2025: Schalke want a penalty when Alexander Baumjohan is barged in the back by Antionio Valencia. I have seen them given but Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo is having none of it. Replays suggest Baumjohan made a meal of that. Good decision.

2022: How many chances do United need? Manuel Neuer is not needed this time, as Park Ji-Sung heads down an Antonio Valencia cross for Fabio, who has time to take a touch inside the area but blazes his first-time shot over. This is one-way traffic, but it is still 0-0.

2020: Schalke fail to clear after Antonio Valencia weaves into the area and that is ANOTHER shooting chance for Javier Hernandez. Do I need to tell you that Manuel Neuer makes an outstanding one-handed reaction save? He does. Park Ji-Sung pounces on the rebound but Atsuto Uchida hurls himself in front of his shot to block. I've said it before, and I will say it again - how are United not ahead? The biggest reason right now is Neuer.

2018: Cynical. Christoph Metzelder hauls down Wayne Rooney as he tries to break forward and that is our first yellow card of the night. It was fully deserved too.

2016: United continue to look dangerous every time they get the ball, with Wayne Rooney the latest player to have a sniff in front of goal, only to be let down by poor control as he runs through. Stoke, even without Matty Etherington (Dean Whitehead is on instead), are also dominant. Kenwyne Jones just headed a Jon Walters ross over from six yards out.

2016: This looks like bad news for Stoke's Matthew Etherington, who has gone down in agony clutching his hamstring. The Potters will be at Wembley for the FA Cup final on 14 May, but Etherington is a big doubt if his injury is as bad as it looks.

2012: Yet another brilliant stop by Manuel Neuer. This time he keeps out a Ryan Giggs header after Nemanja Vidic has time to look up and find him with a dinked cross from the left by-line. Amazing reactions from their goalkeeper, but Schalke's defence is non-existent at the moment.

2010: How are United not ahead? Javier Hernandez, again, muscles his way to within shooting distance after holding off Joel Matip... and lets fly with a shot that flashes a yard or two wide of Manuel Neuer's far post. Again, unlucky.

OptaJoe on Twitter: "5 - Including Kenwyne Jones' opener tonight v Wolves, five of Stoke's last six PL goals have come from open play. Purists."

2009: Big problems for Wolves at the moment. Ryan Shawcross delivers a 40-yard pass into the area and finds goalscorer Kenwyne Jones, who beats the offside trap but fires his shot horribly wide. Stoke are well on top.

2007: A real waste by Javier Hernandez this time. He has only Manuel Neuer to beat on the right-hand side of the area, but elects to try to cut the ball back to Wayne Rooney. Joel Matip intercepts, and the big question is why didn't Hernandez shoot?

2004: Almost a second Stoke goal, with Wayne Hennessey denying Andy Wilkinson after a neat Stoke build-up. It is still 0-0 at the Veltins Arena but surely it won't stay that way for long... Javier Hernandez has another pop, and sees his low shot fly just wide.

Stoke goal: Not the start Wolves were looking for. Jermaine Pennant does well to weave his way down the right, then delivers a perfect cross for Kenwyne Jones to power home his header. Wayne Hennessey gets his hand to the ball, but cannot keep it out of his net.

1959: Schalke look a lot better going forward than they do defending right now, and they are doing their fair share of attacking. Jefferson Farfan is looking dangerous when he gets on the ball, but a one-two does not quite come off this time.

1958: It is almost United against Manuel Neuer at the moment. United cut through the Schalke defence again but the German keeper spreads himself to deny Javier Hernandez with his legs. A superb stop.

1956: United break forward from a Schalke corner and Fabio, Gareth Bale-style, surges the length of the pitch down the left. If he can find Wayne Rooney with his cross, it is an almost certain goal but the ball is intercepted. Unlucky.

PratikPokharel on Twitter: "Can already see why Fergie is interested in Neuer. Seems to have a presence."

1954: Schalke's turn to go close. Jefferson Farfan tries to curl the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area but sees the ball fizz just wide. Who said this game would be tight and tense?

1952: And Manuel Neuer makes it three saves in just over three minutes, denying Javier Hernandez, who slipped as he let fly. It is wide open in Germany, where United have started extremely brightly, but much cagier at the Britannia. Wolves have had to deal with a Rory Delap throw-in but that has been the only time either side have threatened.

1949: Another superb stop by Manuel Neuer, who keeps out Park Ji-Sung's drilled shot this time. Javier Hernandez follows up, but the linesman's flag is up. Offside.

1948: A much, much better effort by United follows shortly afterwards. Wayne Rooney cuts in from the left and lets fly with a shot that takes a nick off Atsuto Uchida and is flying into the top corner until Manuel Neuer brilliantly claws it to safety, at full stretch. He also deals expertly with the resulting corner.

1946: And we are under way in Staffordshire too (listen to that one on 5 live sports extra). We've had our first effort on goal at the Veltins Arena, with Alexander Baumjohan firing straight at Edwin van der Sar from the edge of the area. A tame effort.

1945: We are up and running in Germany... you can listen to this game on BBC Radio 5 live (in the UK).

1944: Not sure what the pre-match anthem was at the Britannia Stadium, but Stoke-Wolves is about to get started too.

1943: The players are out on the pitch at the Veltins Arena, and they have just heard the anthem we all know and love. Kick-off, in front of 61,000 fans, is moments away.

1942: Three Schalke players go in to tonight's game on a booking... Raul, cut-and-paste's Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Jose Jurado. Another yellow tonight, and they miss the second leg. None of United's squad have to worry about that.

Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "This team mostly played against Chelsea and they've got the experience. It's a good foundation for a semi-final like this. You get apprehensive when you think about our record against German sides, but this is a different team and our away form is very good. I rely on them and I trust them. Schalke's home record in Europe is excellent, so you've got to take that as a guide. It's quite a young team and they have an outstanding goalkeeper and a lot of energy. It'll be tough. Hopefully we can score - that's the bonus."

Youngster1927 on Twitter: "Valencia to put a few goals on a plate for Rooney and Hernandez tonight - 2-0."

AdamRose1992 on Twitter: "I'm a Schalke fan and while everyone gives Raul the credit, Farfan and Jurado pulls the strings for us - nur der S04!"

1931: Just time to give you some good news about Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier, who has been released from hospital and is making an "encouraging" recovery after suffering from chest pains last week. All of football wishes him well.

OptaJoe on Twitter: "1 - FA Cup finalists Stoke City have won just one of their last eight Premier League games. Distracted."

1927: Time for some stats, courtesy of Infostrada Sports, which show offSchalke's impressive home form and just how good United have been away recently (in Europe). The German side, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, have won all five Champions League home matches this season. Since the introduction of the current format before the 2003/2004 season, only two clubs have won all six home matches on their way to the final: AC Milan (2004/2005) and Manchester United (2007/2008). United also won all six home matches in 2006/2007, but were knocked out in the semifinal. To continue that run tonight, Schalke have to do what no side has done against a travelling United side in Europe this season - score. Sir Alex's team are looking to become the first club to keep a clean sheet in all their away matches in a single CL season. So, something's got to give tonight...

STOKE CITY v WOLVES TEAM NEWS
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Stoke start with Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters in attack with Norway forward John Carew on the bench after missing the last game against parent-club Aston Villa because he was ineligible. Wolves' Michael Kightly and Michael Mancienne come in for midfielders Nenad Milijas and Adlene Guediora."

JugBankStokie on Twitter: "Massive game tonight. A win should see Stoke safe and Wolves on the brink. Nervous."

1917: Around half an hour to go until kick-off at the Veltins Arena and the Britannia Stadium. Excited? Me too. Anyway, here's bit of news for you ahead of Wednesday's, ahem, 'other' Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona... and it isn't good for Barca. Their boss Pep Guardiola has told the media that midfielder Andres Iniesta has a calf injury and will miss the first leg at the Bernabeu. A big blow, that.

BickleyM99 on Twitter: "ahh yeah, Jarvo and Kights starting, Delap and co will be shaking in their boots tonight. C'MON WANDERERS!"

Stoke v Wolverhampton line-ups
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Delap, Etherington, Walters, Jones. Subs: Sorensen, Collins, Pugh, Diao, Whitehead, Carew, Faye.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Stearman, Berra, Craddock, Ward, Mancienne, Kightly, Henry, O'Hara, Jarvis, Fletcher. Subs: Hahnemann, Hunt, Vokes, Milijas, Mouyokolo, Foley, Guedioura.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

1910: BREAKING STOKE TEAM NEWS
Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters continue up front. John Carew is on the bench. More on that, and Wolves, very shortly.

From Carlos in Broadstairs, via text: "Rio may be fit but Raul's seen off many a defender in his career. Jurado will also look to break and exploit the gaps between defence and midfield. Big game for Michael Carrick."

Hriddim on Twitter: "RE JL1986. This'll be a tasty tie, but I think it'll be more fitting for Real's Ronaldo to meet United at Wembley. Mouthwatering stuff."

From Karl via text: "That's a bold statement about Neuer from George there, considering who his opposite number is tonight."

Sir Alex Ferguson on being asked whether he wants to play Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League final: "I don't like jumping ahead. We have to deal with Schalke first. If we can manage that, I don't care who we play in the final. You always get apprehensive at this stage of the competition. Semi-finals are never easy. We had the same situation in 1999 when we played our semi-final against Juventus. There was an apprehension in our first game at home that we released in the second leg. When we played Barcelona in the first leg (three years ago) we got the result we wanted. But the last 20 minutes of the second leg were absolute agony."

JL1986 on Twitter: "I'm all for English teams winning the CL, but I think it would be fitting if Raul's Schalke met Real Madrid in the final."

AMcBrideSJ on Twitter: "Schalke have won every home game in Champions League this season! United will come away with a draw from this one!"

Sir Alex Ferguson on the importance of having Rio Ferdinand back fit to partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of United's defence during the season run-in: "Rio's ability showed itself in the first leg of our quarter-final against Chelsea. He was absolutely immense. That experience and ability is vital in the situation we are in at the moment. He is fresh and ready to play and that is a big step forward for us."

SCHALKE 04 v MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
Jonathan Stevenson reports: "Let's start with the hosts, shall we? A potentially critical blow for Schalke as Benedikt Hoewedes misses out with an abdominal injury, the defender joining Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on the sidelines. But Atsuto Uchida and Hans Sarpei return to the back four and Jose Jurado takes his place in midfield. Manchester United surprisingly name Fabio at right-back with Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Antonio Valencia comprising the midfield and Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez up top."

Schalke 04 v Man Utd line-ups
Schalke 04: Neuer, Uchida, Matip, Metzelder, Sarpei, Farfan, Papadopoulos, Jurado, Baumjohann, Raul, Edu. Subs: Schober, Escudero, Plestan, Kluge, Charisteas, Karimi, Draxler.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Fabio Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Hernandez. Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Smalling, Nani, Scholes, Rafael Da Silva, Evans.
Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Madrid)

1852: If you don't know much about Schalke 04 other than that shock win over Inter, then can I point you in the direction of Dan Roan's excellent blog about the Royal Blues, and the importance they put on their relationship with their supporters. "Schalke remains loyal to the working-class ethos of the area it represents," says Roan. "This is a club built on fan power."

From George, via text: "Although United are undoubtedly favourites, Schalke have real quality players like Huntelaar, Farfan, Howedes and Raul. On top of that they have the best goalkeeper in the world in Neuer. I expect United to go through but I can see Schalke putting up a fight."

Sadly for Schalke, their key centre-back Benedikt Howedes misses out tonight because of an abdominal injury. And Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also absent, because of a knee problem.

STOKE CITY v WOLVES (1945 BST)
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has urged his relegation-haunted side to remain unbeaten until the end of the season. The Yorkshireman believes if his side avoid "getting beat" in the last five fixtures then they may avoid the drop. Repeats of the gutsy performance against Fulham on Saturday and McCarthy's dream may come true. FA Cup finalists Stoke aren't quite out of it, but I'm sure manager Tony Pulis is having far fewer sleepless nights than his counterpart. This week he said his players are tired, but they'll probably have enough energy to get a point tonight to take them to the magical 40-point mark."

SCHALKE 04 v MAN UTD (1945 BST)
Jonathan Stevenson reports: "Manchester United might be on familiar ground in their fourth Champions League semi-final in five years, but Sir Alex Ferguson will have to end a run of four straight defeats against German sides in two-legged knockout ties to make it to Wembley. Schalke, 10th in the Bundesliga, stand in their way - as does Raul, a man who knows better than anyone where Champions League goals are with 71 in 140 games in the competition. Ferguson described him at the "best player in the world" in 2003 - but is he still good enough to knock United out?"

1840: We all remember the Nou Camp in 1999, right? Sammy Kuffour left banging the turf in despair and desolation as United's late, late show snatched glory from under the very noses of Bayern Munich in an epic final. But (as many of you lot are well aware) Sir Alex Ferguson has not always had his own way against German opposition in the Champions League (in the semi-final or otherwise). In fact, he's not had much luck at all. Last-four defeats in 1997 (Borussia Dortmund) and 2003 (Bayer Leverkusen) plus two quarter-final defeats by Bayern (in 2001 and 2010) mean he is taking nothing for granted here.

figfenelon10 on Twitter: "With Schalke sitting 10th in the Bundesliga, you have to fancy Utd tonight - poor away record in Germany or not."

1Destiny1Life on Twitter: "Time for United to banish German semi-final Champions League nightmares. Please?"

1833: BREAKING MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Fabio start for United, with Nani, Paul Scholes, Rafael and Anderson all on the bench. Darron Gibson is not involved at all. More on that in a jiffy...

1829: I'm expecting a tense and fairly tight affair in the Ruhr valley, and a nervy encounter in Staffordshire. But I'm far more interested in what you think will happen during the next few hours. Don't keep me in suspense - I'm Chris Bevan, and you can tweet me at @chrisbevan_bbc using the hashtag #BBCFootball please. Or feel free to text me via 81111 (UK) instead.

1824: Tonight's not all about United's Wembley dream, though. We've got a massive Premier League game to look forward to too. Wolves' hopes of staying in the top flight are fast approaching the make-or-break stage, so winning their game in hand on the rest of the relegation pack would come in mighty handy, to say the least. Defeat by Stoke at the Britannia Stadium will not send Mick McCarthy's men down - but a win would be a big old boost to their survival hopes, and lift them out of the bottom three.

1819: Schalke may not be the most fashionable side in Europe (and I'm not talking about the mullets and denim jackets sported by your average German fan) but don't you dare go thinking this is a done deal for United. I can think of at least two reasons why they won't be taking Rangnick's men lightly in the first leg of their semi-final at the Veltins Arena tonight. Firstly, the way Schalke took holders Inter Milan to the cleaners in Italy the first leg of their quarter-final and, secondly, the way they finished the job in Germany too.

1815: And then there was one. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have all fallen by the wayside on the (Euro) road to Wembley, leaving Manchester United to fly the flag for England in this season's Champions League. Standing in their way of a place in the final on 28 May? Step forward Ralf Rangnick, Raul and the rest of Schalke 04.