Germany are in town and they are looking to cement their place at next summer’s European Championships, as well as exacting revenge for Ireland’s last-gasp draw in the reverse fixture last year.

The last time the Germans were in Dublin, it was a horror show for the home side and while a repeat of that 6-1 result is unlikely, the World Cup winners certainly have the fire power to cause some real damage.

So here's a look at their probable XI to face Ireland in this vital European qualifier.

Manuel Neuer

By his own remarkable standards, Neuer has not been his brilliant best since starring at last summer’s World Cup. The Bayern Munich man remains the best keeper in the world, but has made several mistakes, which have cost Germany goals in this campaign. But Neuer remains a formidable shot-stopper and is lightning quick to sense danger and sweeps up the mistakes of the often-shaky German back-four.

Emre Can

Germany have been struggling with their full-back positions since the World Cup and Liverpool’s Can is slowly starting to establish himself as the right back of choice for Joachim Low’s side. Keen to bomb up the right flank and possibly a bit to quick to leave his defensive duties, leaving big gaps that need to be filled by Boateng covering across.

Jonas Hector

Another looking to establish himself in this German side as he deputises for Benedikt Höwedes, who was not considered as he is returning from injury. Höwedes played every minute of the World Cup so Hector will need to cement his place in the team. Hasn’t looked out of place in this Germany side, but with so much play going through the middle, Hector will spend a lot of the match as a mere spectator, making the odd forray forward. A solid defender when called upon.

Mats Hummels

Will sit on the left side of the central defensive partnership alongside Boateng. Hummels made a name for himself at last summer’s World Cup but is missing some key components to be really rated as world class. Positionally suspect at times, Hummels will make the odd rash decision and may rely too often on his goalkeeper to get him out of trouble.

Jerome Boateng

Like his central defensive partner Hummels, Boateng would not be close to getting on a world XI, however, the pair have established themselves at the heart of this German unit and both are comfortable on the ball and can often start important attacking options. Allowed to play a high line of defence such are the sweeping qualities of keeper Neuer, but a pacey attack will cause problems with the ball dropped in behind at a angle that the keeper will not risk covering.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Still a key component in this Germany side, the Manchester United midfielder pulls the strings alongside Toni Kroos and will be instrumental for Germany’s passing game to flourish. Often finds himself in between the centre-halves as Schweinsteiger likes to drop back to pick up the ball and bring it out of defence. Talk of the midfielder being past his best are way off the mark.

Toni Kroos

in Loew’s side. Kroos is always looking for a pass forward and keeps Germany’s fast-paced, one-touch football in full flow. Ozil, Muller, Goetze and Gundogan are forever linking with the Madrid man, creating space and pulling opposition players out of position. Given too much space outside the box, Kroos will shoot on sight and will punish.

Ilkay Gundogan

Replaced Karim Bellarabi for the Scotland game and is likely to remain in the starting XI for tonight’s encounter as the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is still struggling to regain full fitness. Trying to establish himself in this German side, the Borussia Dortmund man fills the gap in front of the midfield pair of Schweinsteiger and Kroos and shows great movement on and off the ball. Another excellent link-up player and will be areal handful for any Irish defender or midfielder handed the task of marshalling him.

Mesut Ozil

Club or country, you know exactly what you get with Ozil and it is no surprise that he is such a vital part of the Germany side as their forward play is not too dissimilar to Arsenal, where the football is slick and precise. Another man who is constantly moving, Ozil will primarily come in off the left but has the licence to drift, which will make him another tough man to mark.

Thomas Muller

Drifting in off the right flank or leading the line, Thomas Muller remains one of the most dangerous men in world football. The Bayern Munich man may not be the most influential player on the pitch, but has a remarkable eye for goal and scores at ease with either foot, while being very dangerous in the air. A one-touch master and another who is constantly on the move, Muller is bound to get a couple of chances at least, and he usually converts.

Mario Goetze

This forward needs no introduction after grabbing the all-important winning goal in the World Cup final as Germany beat Argentina. Goetze has not had the most productive start to the season with his club Bayern Munich, such is the competition for places, but the striker has looked sharp in their league victories in recent weeks and should lead the line against Ireland. Goetze will drift in and out of the box and create space for any of the other attacking midfielders, while his link-up play is exceptional. Most importantly, Goetze knows where the goal is and will take most chances that present themselves.