Coach Joachim Loew has been able to bring back some much-needed experience for this crucial home clash. Captain Michael Ballack joins Torsten Frings, Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich back in Loew’s squad after missing out last month with a foot injury. Frings was absent with a broken nose. One major name missing is Real Madrid centre-back Christoph Metzelder, who has been given more time to overcome his recent injury trouble. Russia were fortunate to scrape a win against Wales in September, with Roman Pavlyuchenko scoring the winner. He will be glad to get a break from his terrible time at Tottenham, even though his side is likely to find it very tough in Dortmund.