Germany full-back Philipp Lahm acknowledges their crucial World Cup qualifier in Russia will be a tense affair.

The top two in Group Four are separated by just one point and are both well clear of third-placed Finland.

They head into tomorrow's meeting at Moscow's Luschniki Stadion knowing there will be a second chance to qualify via the play-off for the pool runners-up, but both are naturally keen to clinch top spot and automatic progress.

And Lahm is relishing the prospect of the battle that lies ahead.

"This is an absolute top match," the 25-year-old Bayern Munich defender said. "We can show how well the team is doing. This is the greatest game this year with the national team.

"Everyone wants to be present at the World Cup. So the pressure is always there. If we win tomorrow, then we are safely there. We have already seen that you can qualify via the play-offs, but we will try to get through tomorrow."

Germany lead the way by one point so can clinch top place by moving four points clear tomorrow.

Any other result would see qualification go down to the final round of matches on Wednesday, when Germany host Finland in Hamburg and Russia visit Baku to face Azerbaijan.

Coach Joachim Low reckons his team have done their homework on Guus Hiddink's Euro 2008 semi-finalists.

"In the preparation we have done everything humanly possible," he said. "We have talked extensively about the Russian team, know the strengths and weaknesses.

"As for the selection, I will make my thoughts and even the wait for final training. All players are available, we have no injury concerns."

Hiddink is fully aware of Germany's exemplary record in qualifying competitions, but warns his team are capable of springing a surprise.

"In the forthcoming match we will have to do even more than we did in the match against England two years ago (in Euro 2008 qualifying)," he told Sport Express.

"Our current rival has proved for many years that they always advance from the qualification. Statistics says a lot for Germany.

"But nevertheless it cannot prove that we are unable to give a surprise."

Also in Group Four tomorrow, third-placed Finland take on fourth-spotted Wales in Helsinki while Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan - neither of whom have yet posted a win in qualifying - go head to head in Vaduz.

Wales captain Craig Bellamy will win his 58th cap tomorrow as his team attempt to salvage third spot after a draining campaign.

He said: "If Wales are to win this game against Finland, I will have to play a big part. I will have to do more sprints, cover more ground and run as much as I can.

"With luck then my ability might make a difference in the game. These days I am getting butterflies in my stomach before games. I know I am going to run myself into the ground and whatever happens then is a bonus.

"It is always tough for a nation like ours. We are small and do not have a vast amount of players. We feel injuries more than top nations."