Oliver Kahn has backed Joachim Low to choose an experienced line-up for Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier in Russia.

The Germans go into the game a point ahead of Guus Hiddink's men with two games remaining in Group Four.

A draw at the Luzhniki Stadium would be likely to suit Germany, with their final game coming next Wednesday when Finland visit Hamburg.

A defeat in Moscow would relegate the 2006 hosts to a play-off as the race to reach South Africa intensifies.

Former Germany goalkeeper Kahn, capped 86 times by his country, does not believe, given the stakes involved, it is time for experimentation and expects Low to select a familiar-looking XI.

He told www.kicker.de: "I believe the coach will rely on his usual players and not plump for an inexperienced player like (Stefan) Kiessling.

"This is not a game for experiments.

"If Germany can get at the Russians then they have a tendency to let their heads drop very quickly if things don't go their way."

Kahn believes Germany will have to adopt a cautious approach to ensure they get the point they need, adding: "In Moscow, it needs the structure to be compact and for the players to defend the central area with aggression in order to interrupt the short passes Russia like to play."

Russia boss Hiddink is excited at the challenge which lies ahead and called on players and fans alike to display the same passion shown when Russia beat England 2-1 almost two years ago in a key qualifier for Euro 2008.

He said: "The match with Germany will be without doubt a very tough game but this is true football. A packed arena watching a head-to-head battle for the group's top spot.

"The situation looks pretty similar to the task we were facing two years ago ahead of the deciding match with England in Moscow. However, now we are a more experienced team than we were two years ago.

"And I hope we will receive the same furious support of our fans that we had two years ago.

"But Germany is famous for their ability to stun their opponents and this time we will have to do even more than we did against England to gain a success.

"I'm sure that both teams will play in South Africa next year. The runners-up will just enter the finals through the back door."