Germany vs. Czech Republic: World Cup 2018 Quaifying Preview, Time, Live Stream

Germany host the Czech Republic on Saturday and will be looking to build on their winning start in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying phase.

Die Mannschaft sit top of Group C after winning their opening game and can consolidate their position if they pick up another three points at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.

Read on for a more in-depth look at the clash, with the schedule and live-streaming details below:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 8

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA)

Preview

Germany revealed they will once again be heading into the clash without an important figure in their team: Mario Gomez:

With the Wolfsburg striker absent, it's likely Germany boss Joachim Low will employ a similar system to the one he used in the 3-0 win over Norway last time out, with Mario Gotze leading the line.

His other alternative is to lead with Kevin Volland, but the 24-year-old—who has just seven senior caps—is yet to score this season, and his poor passing could see him struggle to bring his team-mates into the game.

Nevertheless, Germany are brimming with quality and will be boosted by the return of Ilkay Gundogan to the team.

The Manchester City man is relishing the prospect of turning out for his national side after missing UEFA Euro 2016 with injury:

With the deep-lying playmaker alongside Toni Kroos in midfield, the Germans have a superb platform from which to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game.

Further, the hosts also boast the in-form Joshua Kimmich among their ranks.

The 21-year-old netted against Norway in September and has also racked up five goals for Bayern Munich already.

Bundesliga writer Clark Whitney and DW Sports' Stefan Bienkowski hailed his impressive form:

The versatile midfielder is likely to star once again—the Czechs will have a tough time shutting him down, particularly as they'll risk leaving themselves vulnerable elsewhere if they devote too much time and manpower to doing so.

The visitors drew their opening game with Northern Ireland and disappointed at Euro 2016 as they finished bottom of their group, though it's worth noting their opponents were Spain, Croatia and Turkey.

It's difficult to see them posing a significant challenge to Germany here—the hosts should be able to win this fairly comfortably.