Battle for first as Germany visit neighbours Poland

It will all be about hotshot striker Robert Lewandowski, when he temporarily switches allegiances from the country he has made his home, to his place of birth.

The Bayern Munich frontman, who has enjoyed a prolific start to the season for his new club, hitting four goals in seven appearances, and is 13/2 with Coral to score first, and 15/8 to find the net anytime.

If he is to do that, however, the 26-year-old will have to beat domestic teammate Manuel Neuer, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in world football currently. As such, Die Mannschaft have odds of 17/10 to win to nil.

On facing Neuer, Lewandowski said: “I have good memories of my many games against Manuel. I remember only too well that I scored my first Bundesliga goal against Schalke, with Neuer between the posts. I gave an interview to German television and they asked me a lot about it, but it is Poland v Germany and I would be equally happy if any of my team-mates scored. It does not have to be me.”

Asked whether he thinks there is a weakness in Germany’s side, he continued: “Maybe they will be too confident after winning the World Cup. Maybe they will oversleep a little and we will be able to take advantage. I hope so. We know their qualities, but we will not park a bus in our penalty area.”

Poland have never beaten Germany, who have 12 victories and six draws against their neighbours; however, with an in-form Lewandowski in their side, who hit four in his side’s first qualifying match, odds of 5/1 could be good value if everything he touches turns to gold.

If they do play two up front, it is likely to be Dynamo Kyiv’s Lukasz Teodorczyk who partners Lewandowski, and he has six goals in all competitions this term. He has odds of 10/3 to find the net anytime.

Germany, on the other hand, are world champions, so an odds-on price of 1/2 for victory makes sense. Die Mannschaft have a lethal hitman of their own, however, and in Thomas Muller have a more than capable match-winner. Finishing second to, and one behind, top scorer James Rodriguez in Brazil on five goals, and opening the season with four strikes and just as many assists in all competitions, he is 4/1 to net the opener and 20/1 to hit a hat-trick.