Kaiserslautern’s Ariel Borysiuk claims he is not even looking at the league table as the Red Devils go in search of their first win in 16 attempts on Sunday. Kaiserslautern are currently propping up the rest of the division and they will welcome a side who are challenging for a top three finish, but the 20-year-old midfielder insists that means nothing when the two sides take to the field at the Betzenberg. “If you look at the table, then the difference between Schalke and us is of course very big,” he said. “But it is different on the field, particularly because we are playing at home and have the support of our fans. “The atmosphere within the team is good and we hope finally to win three points.” Kaiserslautern’s shirt sponsors have agreed to amend their logo for Sunday’s game to emphasise their backing for the Bundesliga strugglers, and appeal for the fans to replicate. “We need the power and the energy from the stands,” said coach Marco Kurz on the club’s website. “That is the only way we can realise our goal. We want to win and experience the good feeling of a victory again.” Schalke felt that as recently as Thursday when a 4-1 win over FC Twente booked them a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will face Athletic Bilbao. However, their coach Huub Stevens says that game is now behind them, as are the many they have played against Kaiserslautern, who they last beat six years ago. “I don’t care how we have played against Kaiserslautern in the past, we are only concentrating on this game and that is all that matters,” said the Dutch coach. “Kaiserslautern are right down there and are fighting against relegation and they are dangerous opponents.” Schalke striker Raul picked up a knock on Thursday and is a doubt while Christoph Metzelder and Benedikt Howedes are both ruled out injured. Only Richard Sukuta-Pasu and Niclai Jorgensen will not be fit to play for the home side, who will be hoping the sell-out crowd of 49,000 will help them off the foot of the table.

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Kaiserslautern vs Schalke Preview