The European heavyweights have both collected 10 points from their four matches and sit comfortably at the summit of their group.

However, both teams will be anxious to avoid defeat, knowing that a loss will give their opponents the advantage in the race for automatic qualification for Euro 2008.

Karel Bruckner's Czech Republic will be buoyed by the return of Tomas Rosicky from a groin injury.

The Arsenal schemer was quick to highlight Germany's shaky defence in the 1-1 draw with Cyprus last November as one area in which his team could capitalise.

He said: "They are experienced and good in attack but what they lack is our cleverness.

"We may surprise their defence. They do sometimes make mistakes and they made one in the game against Cyprus.

"But they always were and are a very self-confident team. They never give away any fight for the ball, go for everything with their head first. We have to cope with this."

Czech coach Bruckner has a full compliment of players available for selection including Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who insisted his team will have the advantage.

"I think we have a 60-40 chance. The teams are of a similar quality and the home ground adds about 10% to us," said Cech.

Germany coach Joachim Low will be without the suspended Miroslav Klose, while fellow forwards Oliver Neuville, Gerald Asamoah, Mario Gomez and Mike Hanke are all injured.

Influential midfielder Tim Borowski is also recovering from injury and defensive duo Arne Friedrich and Clemens Fritz are unavailable due to injury and suspension respectively.

Injuries have forced Low to call four uncapped young players up to the senior squad, while Bastian Schweinsteiger, Torsten Frings and Christoph Metzelder will have late fitness tests.

Low has won all but one of his seven matches at the German helm.

"I don´t feel any extra pressure," the coach said. "But there is a special feeling.

"These are the days in football which I am really looking forward to. The Czech Republic are - just like us - favourites in our group. We have respect, but we are not scared.

"We want to be on top of the group after tonight and I´m confident we will get it done."

A sell-out crowd of 18,000 fans is expected to provide frenetic support for the Czechs, something that Germany captain Michael Ballack is relishing.

"The atmosphere will be hot," he said. "We love to play in a small stadium where tempers will be flying high.

"That is not a problem for us. Just looking at where the teams are in the table, it will be a great match."