Saturday's 4-0 defeat of Liechtenstein moved Germany four points clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group Four although they have played a game more than second-placed Russia.

And former national team striker Bierhoff is optimistic Joachim Low's men will be too strong for the Welsh in Cardiff.

"We know there are no 'gimmees' in World Cup qualifying but we must also remember that we were runners-up at the European Championships and, therefore, should be able to beat a team such as Wales," he said.

Bierhoff is wary of dropping points at the Millennium Stadium and handing the initiative to Russia, who they face away from home in October.

"We want to strengthen our position in the table and hopefully qualify before we meet Russia," he added.

"Therefore we must not drop any points against Wales."

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger left training early today after suffering with an adductor problem.

But Bierhoff revealed it was not serious enough to keep him out of Wednesday's game.

He said: "Bastian has a slight problem with his adductor but his availability for Wednesday is not in doubt.

"That he left training early today was purely a precautionary measure. He still has another half day to rest."