Germany coach Joachim Low could use Tuesday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Northern Ireland to experiment with his line-up and give opportunities to some fringe players in his squad.
With qualification sewn up, the match offers Low a chance to continue the development of his young squad before next summer's finals.
"I will certainly make some changes," Low said.
"Some players need an opportunity to play. It is good if a certain central axis persists, but I want to see some other players and give them confidence."
With that central axis in mind, Low confirmed he intends to start Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos and Joshua Kimmich together in midfield, but Jonas Hector will come in for the injured Nico Schulz on the left, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal.
"I am still thinking about the centre of defence," he added.
Germany will start the match two points clear of the Netherlands at the top of Group C after an impressive qualifying campaign in which the only setback was a home defeat to the Dutch in September.
But for all their progress since the disappointment of last year's World Cup, Low said it was too soon to suggest his side could be a favourite in the finals next year.
"This is a very willing and ambitious team, always trying to do things with the greatest will, even if it doesn't always work out," he said.
"They show a great deal of energy and there is a great team spirit.
"But the development of the other nations continues, such as England, France, Spain, Italy or Belgium - they have inevitably had a change but mostly have played already three or four years together.
"So I do not see us as a favourite for the tournament in the summer. We will try everything, prepare well and try to do our best, but to raise expectations does not help the team.
"It has a lot of potential and quality and must continue to move in the right direction."
