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Muller keeps guard for Polish visit

Thomas Muller expecting tough against old rivals Poland
Thomas Muller expecting tough against old rivals Poland

Germany striker Thomas Muller is warning his side not to take Poland lightly when they meet in a Euro 2016 qualifier this weekend.

The old rivals face off in Warsaw on Saturday, with both having won their opening Group D fixtures last month.

Germany were somewhat fortunate to see off Scotland - perhaps still adjusting to life as world champions - while Poland put seven past European new boys Gibraltar.

The stakes will be raised for both sides on Saturday, though, and Poland will fancy their chances of recording a maiden win over Germany.

And, with that in mind, Muller is telling his team-mates to be on their guard.

"Our attitude is to be very professional and determined to take the three points," he told his federation's official website.

"We need a good attitude and a good mentality. Poland are not an opponent you take seriously for just three quarters of the time. They are very forward moving and have a dangerous player up front."

That player is Robert Lewandowski, Muller's team-mate at Bayern Munich.

The 26-year-old, who has scored 23 international goals, poses the biggest threat to Germany and he is hoping they will be complacent - just as they were against the Scots last time out.

"Maybe they will be too confident after winning the World Cup," Lewandowski told UEFA's website.

"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."

"We know their qualities, but we will not park a bus in our penalty area" - Poland striker Robert Lewandowski

Having pushed Germany so close last time out, on a night when they surprised many onlookers with their attacking abilities, Scotland will be keen not to waste any positivity when they face Georgia.

Striker Steven Naismith, so impressive for Everton this season, believes boss Gordon Strachan will send them out with a firm emphasis on attacking.

Despite how it appeared, Naismith believes Scotland have got it in them to go forward even more than they did in Germany, playing down a performance that impressed so many.

"I think we will be more positive. Playing with two strikers doesn't necessarily mean you are being more positive but the manager will have a system in mind. He has very rarely got it wrong since he took over.

"But one thing for sure is that we will be more attacking than we were in Germany. We will need to be."

Strachan's men will be hoping the Tartan Army can give them their usual vociferous backing and Naismith knows a way to make that happen.

"Being at home you want to get the crowd behind you, dictate the tempo and play an advanced game that creates chances. So that has to be our main aim from the kick-off," he added.

Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland side will be next up for the Germans in Group D when the two sides clash in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday.

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