Germany v Scotland: Lambert and Smith look at where the game will be won and lost

Paul Lambert and Gordon Smith provide analysis ahead of Sunday night’s clash between Germany and Scotland.

Paul Lambert on Germany

Formation 4-3-3

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) The best goalkeeper in the world. Is frighteningly good in one-on-one situations because he makes himself so big. As good a goalkeeper as there is with the ball at his feet, and he has unbelievable presence.

Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund) One of the players who will benefit from the retirement of Philipp Lahm, and has shown himself to be a very capable full-back already with his club.

Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich) Missed Germany’s defeat against Argentina but I’ll be amazed if he doesn’t come into the starting line-up tonight. He’s big, powerful, fast and can play.

Benedikt Howedes (Schalke 04) Played every minute of Germany’s seven matches in Brazil, and is equally comfortable at both left-back and in the centre. I think he might play on the left of a back four and is a difficult opponent for wide players to play against.

Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund) He’ll be relieved he isn’t coming up against someone as special as Angel di Maria tonight. He’ll improve with experience at international level but he is already rated very highly at Dortmund.

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) You don’t win a £25-million move to Real Madrid if you aren’t world-class . He is such a tidy player, and at his best when he is on the front foot. If you allow him to dictate the game and pick his passes, you’ll get punished.

Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) Injury cost him his World Cup place after scoring five goals in six matches of the qualifying campaign, but he’s back and he’ll be desperate to ensure further success for his national team. Another midfielder with a fantastic goals-per-game ratio.

Christoph Kramer (Borussia Moenchengladbach) He can provide the German midfield with balance, and is happy playing slightly deeper than his midfield mates. He is fantastic at breaking up play and giving Germany’s flair players the freedom to express themselves.

Andre Schurrle (Chelsea) Very dangerous on the counter-attack although that is unlikely to be a feature of tonight’s game for the Germans! His pace, power and eye for a pass will provide Scotland will difficulties.

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) He won the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup Finals with five goals in six games, and he scored another five in

Germany’s 2014 World Cup success. For someone who’s not an out-and-out striker, he has a tremendous ability to find space inside the penalty area and score goals.

Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich) The scorer of the goal that won his nation the World Cup in Brazil, and he’s likely to go directly up against my Aston Villa player, Alan Hutton. When he plays wide on the left, he always cuts inside and that is when he is at his most dangerous.

Gordon Smith on Scotland

Formation 4-2-3-1

Allan McGregor (Hull City) A top-class goalkeeper. He is an excellent shot-stopper. The fact he is playing and playing well in the English Premier League not the Championship gives him an edge over rival, David Marshall of Cardiff City.

Alan Hutton (Aston Villa) His recall to action with Aston Villa has removed the one big negative against this fine full-back. Performed creditably for his country when frozen out at club level last season because of financial issues, and will be even better with regular games behind him.

Russell Martin (Norwich City) At 28, he has plenty of experience and he uses it well. Often deployed as a full-back at club level, he clearly loves getting the opportunity to play in his preferred position in the middle.

Grant Hanley (Blackburn Rovers) This young defender possesses good attributes and works well in tandem with Martin. Downsides are that he plays outside the top flight and is prone to the odd mistake which, in his position, can prove very costly.

Steven Whittaker (Norwich City) Athleticism and pace will be a big help against Germany, who are strong in both aspects of the game. Offers a good attacking option but defensively can be vulnerable.

Darren Fletcher (Manchester United) Captain and the key man for Scotland. He’ll sit in front of the back four and his experience, intelligence and discipline will be vital if we are to shut down the German attacks before it becomes too late. A skipper who sets the perfect tone for the country.

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) Using the Celtic player alongside Fletcher as one of two holding midfielders will give a good passing option from deep. His height and the goal threat he offers from set-pieces are other pluses.

SHAUN MALONEY (Wigan Athletic) Offers a lot creatively, not least for his ability to pick passes other players would miss. Gets less credit than he deserves for the other side of the game, which is his tireless shutting down of opponents.

James Morrison (West Brom) A very clever player with acute positional sense. That will be all important in this game as he will need to be very selective in terms of when to drive forward and when to hold firm so Scotland don’t get exposed in the middle of the park.

Ikechi Anya (Watford) Scotland will need decent attacking options when they do win possession, and the little winger qualifies. Loves to have a go at defenders from either flank and is never afraid to take a shot at goal.

Steven Naismith (Everton) With three goals from three games, the Everton man has outscored all of his English Premier League rivals so far, with the exception of Chelsea’s £32-million signing Diego Costa. That is no real surprise as Naismith possesses all the assets you would look for in a forward, and a great record in big matches.