Russia vs Germany

Arshavin, artificial turf Russia's cards

MOSCOW: An artificial pitch and an in-form Andrei Arshavin could pose the biggest challenges for Germany as they seek to secure automatic World Cup qualification in their top-of-the-table clash with Russia on Saturday.

The Germans lead Russia by a point in Group Four and will clinch a place at next year's finals with a win in Moscow while a draw would also leave them in the driving seat as they host eliminated Finland in their last match in Hamburg.