Germany v Czech RepublicGermany coach Joachim Loew will have injury doubt Bastian Schweinsteiger in his line-up for the showdown for first place in Group D in Munich tonight.
Midfielder Schweinsteiger left the field in the 18th minute with a bleeding forehead after a collision with the Republic of Ireland's Kevin Kilbane last Saturday night and his creativity was sorely missed.
Loew, who will have to guard against complacency with his team already qualified, said the player's wound was healing well.
The Czech Republic need a win to be mathematically sure of finishing ahead of Ireland and Cyprus, who, of course, meet each other in Dublin.
Germany won 2-1 in Prague in March.
Loew will put Lukas Podolski, who has struggled to get playing time at Bayern Munich, back in the attack next to Kevin Kuranyi, who was anonymous in Dublin.
Missing for Germany are injured striker Miroslav Klose, midfielder Bernd Schneider and defender Philipp Lahm.
The Czechs will be without wing back Marek Jankulovski, defensive midfielder Jan Polak and striker Milan Baros due to suspension. Captain Tomas Rosicky is doubtful with a thigh injury.
Also in Group D tonight, Wales are in San Marino to play, arguably, the weakest national team in Europe.
Former Wales captain Ryan Giggs - who retired from international football last June - yesterday committed himself to Manchester United for an incredible 18th season.
Probable teams
GERMANY:Hildebrand; Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen; Frings, Fritz, Schweinsteiger, Trochowski; Kuranyi, Podolski.
CZECH REPUBLIC:Cech; Ujfalusi, Kovac, Rozehnal, Zapotocny; Sionko, Galask, Rosicky (or Matejovsky), Plasil; Koller, Kulic.
