Northern Ireland vs Germany. FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group C.
Windsor Park.
Thursday 5 October 2017 18:34, UK
The top two in World Cup qualifying Group C go head to head on Thursday when Northern Ireland host Germany, live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm.
Northern Ireland clinched a top-two finish when they beat Czech Republic 2-0 in September, meaning they will either reach the 2018 World Cup automatically or have a shot at the play-offs if they finish second.
The latter outcome is more likely as a draw at Windsor Park will be enough for Germany to secure top spot and the defending champions have never lost an away World Cup Qualifier.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill said: "I think Germany are the strongest team in Europe, arguably the world. The players they have coming into their squad seem to adapt to international football very quickly.
"We're under no illusion, we're not going to come in and suddenly have 60 per cent of the ball, there's no point preparing as if we are.
"We know the areas where we believe we can hurt Germany. It will need a massive performance and some fine individual moments to win the game."
Aaron Hughes has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad after picking up a calf strain, with Dunfermline defender Callum Morris being called up in his place. Craig Cathcart (knee) will also miss out.
There are a number of recognisable names missing for Joachim Low's Germany, with Manuel Neuer (foot), Marco Reus (knee), Mario Gomez (ankle), Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira (all fitness) not included.
Jonas Hector (ankle), Julian Weigl (fitness) also miss out while Timo Werner (neck) pulled out of the squad earlier this week.
Jerome Boateng and Leroy Sane have both been included in the group after missing out last month.
This will be the 17th meeting on the international stage between Northern Ireland and Germany, with Northern Ireland winning just twice (D4 L10).
Germany are unbeaten in their last 17 matches in all competitions, winning 14 and drawing three.
Northern Ireland have won their last five internationals, their longest ever winning run.
Both sides have conceded just two goals so far in European 2018 World Cup qualifiers; a competition-low.
Michael McGovern has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in European World Cup 2018 qualifiers (7).
Northern Ireland are effectively already in the play-offs so the hard work is all-but-done - they just have to sit and wait for the draw.
The problem they have got is Germany have rested a few players so they will be up against a talented young side battling to prove themselves for the World Cup.
I'm not suggesting Northern Ireland will down tools but I think they'll accept they will be on the back foot and will have to work hard defensively.
Thomas Muller is one of the senior players who is in there and I think that, having had his own struggles, he'll be out to prove a point.
Charlie predicts: 0-4 and Muller to score first (33/1 with Sky Bet)
