On Wednesday evening, the world champions will play host to the Asian champions in an international friendly at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

While Australia have been in positive form since last summer's World Cup in Brazil, the same cannot be said of Germany.

They may have beaten Spain last time out, but there have also been defeats inflicted by Argentina and Poland, while the Republic of Ireland claimed a draw thanks to a late John O'Shea goal.

With Georgia to follow in a Euro 2016 qualifier four days later, head coach Joachim Low could well shuffle his pack for the clash against the Socceroos.

Bastian Schweinsteiger could feature for the first time since the World Cup final, while the fit again Ilkay Gundogan and Holger Badstuber may also be included in the starting lineup.

As for the Aussies, veteran attacking midfielder Tim Cahill has been sidelined by an Achilles injury, while a hamstring complaint will keep out Matthew Spiranovic.

The omission of the latter could hand a chance to Preston North End defender Bailey Wright, while Aaron Mooy and Nathan Burns are also both in contention.

When the nations last met in 2011, Australia ran out surprising 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Dave Carney and Luke Wilkshire. Prior to that, Germany had won the other three encounters between the two teams.

Germany:

Form in friendlies: WDDWLW
Form in all competitions: LWLDWW

Possible starting lineup: Zieler; Howedes, Mustafi, Badstuber, Rudy; Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Gundogan, Reus, Schurrle; Kruse

Australia:

Form in friendlies: LLWDLL
Form in all competitions: WWLWWW

Possible starting lineup: Ryan; Wright, Franjic, Wilkinson, Davidson; Jedinak, McKay, Luongo, Mooy; Leckie, Burns

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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