World Cup holders Germany eased off to a 3-0 triumph over Norway in their opening fixture and they will want more of the same when they host Czech Republic.

Karel Jarolim’s side could only muster a goalless draw with Northern Ireland, and they will have to show a considerable improvement in order to get something from this game.

After winning the 2014 World Cup title, Germany again managed to reach the final stages of a major competition in the summer, but were beaten by hosts France to a place in the Euro 2016 final.

Die Mannschaft have since defeated Finland in international friendly, before kicking off the new qualifying campaign with a 3-0 triumph over Norway.

Thomas Muller played a key role as he scored a brace, while Bayern Munich starlet Joshua Kimmich added another one as Joachim Low’s charges largely dominated the affair.

Germany have now been made 1.25 (1/4) favourites to see off Czech Republic and thus make it four straight home wins in WC qualifiers.

Joachim Low will have Jerome Boateng and Ilkay Gundogan back from injury, but Mario Gomez has withdrawn due to a muscle problem.

The boss opted against calling a replacement, meaning that Mario Gotze will probably start up front, whereas Marco Reus and Andre Schurrle continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer – Kimmich, Boateng, Hummers, Hector – Khedira, Kroos – Muller, Ozil, Draxler – Gotze.

Czech Republic national team are going through a difficult period as there are not too many quality players coming through the ranks.

Another talented generation has just stepped off the stage as the likes of Cech, Limbersky, Hubnik, Plasil and Lafata retired from international football, while Tomas Rosicky is no longer in the side.

The Czechs failed to impress at the Euro 2016 finals, taking just one point from three group games, while the new qualifying campaign also had a poor start.

Namely, Czech Republic were unable to defeat Northern Ireland in their opening fixture and could now be in real problems if they lose to Germany.

The boss has made serious changes to the squad that began the qualifying campaign as the likes of Pudil, Kadlec, Darida, Sural and Necid were all left out.

Jaroslav Drobny and Martin Frydek were forced to withdraw, whereas Jiri Pavlenka was drafted to the squad at a later date.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Vaclik – Kaderabek, Suchy, Sivok, Novak – Sykora, Pavelka – Skalak, V. Kadlec, Krejci – Skoda.