Poland vs. Germany: Key Issues That Will Shape Euro 2016 Qualifier

World Cup champions Germany return to competitive action in Warsaw this weekend where they take on Poland in the hope of quickly wrestling control of their Euro 2016 qualifying group. 

Both sides have kicked off their campaigns in the right manner, with Poland overcoming minnows Gibraltar 7-0 on the opening day while Germany rose to the challenge of a stubborn Scottish side in Dortmund, eventually winning by two goals to one. 

In what many regard the toughest qualifying group within the competition—with Poland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland all fighting for second place and points off Germany—such a game should prove vital to both Germany and Poland's chances of making it to France in two years time. 

Here are the key issues ahead of the tie. 

Mesut Ozil's Injury

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

As reported by the Guardian on Wednesday October 8, German national team star Mesut Ozil was confirmed out injured until the end of the year with torn ligament damage in his left knee.

Although this is undoubtedly an immediate threat to his club, Arsenal, it does pose a number of problems for Low's own team in this qualifying group. 

Ozil will obviously miss the vital match away to Poland on Saturday but so too Ireland's visit to Gelsenkirchen next Tuesday. Two important matches that will shape how the group looks before the end of the year. 

Germany also face the logistical problem of replacing Ozil's own expertise. Although the Arsenal midfielder hasn't been at his best for some time, he was ever present throughout their World Cup victory this year and holds a senior role in the team that can't easily be replaced. 

Julian Draxler or Karim Bellarabi may take his place on Saturday but that Ozil-shaped hole in Low's team will take some time to fill. 

The Robert Lewandowski Threat

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The obvious danger to Germany's chances on Saturday will come in the form of Robert Lewandowski; Bayern Munich's latest recruit and undoubtedly one of the most impressive forwards in world football today. 

Yet although the Polish talisman has been an accomplished goalscorer in the Bundesliga for quite some time now, his record for the national team has left a little to be desired of late. 

Lewandowski did pick up four goals in Poland's opening 7-0 win over Gibraltar but before that he'd only scored one goal in the last four friendlies he took part in. While also only scoring three goals throughout a disastrous 2014 World Cup Qualifying campaign, via Transfermarkt.

The Polish star is blowing hot and cold for his national team at the minute, but he could still prove a threat to Low's side. 

Max Kruse's Influence on the Game

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

This weekend's match should be a perfect opportunity for Gladbach forward Max Kruse to prove his worth as a genuine alternative to Germany's other top strikers. 

However, the Foals' leading man has struggled to show up for his national team in the past. Having made six appearances for Germany since his debut last year, Kruse has only managed to score on one occasion, via Transfermarkt

Oddly enough, Kruse's strong build-up play and technical ability would make him an ideal fit for this squad, yet for one reason or another it just hasn't happened for him yet. 

With the likes of Mario Gomez and Marco Reus both expected back before too soon, this may be a vital chance for the striker to show that he can play a regular role in this first-team for Low before the opportunity disappears. 

Poland's Midfield General: Grzegorz Krychowiak

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Aside from the might of Lewandowski up front or the known quantity of Lukasz Piszczek at right-back, Poland also have a number of other ways to hurt their opponents. 

Yet none are quite as conspicuous as Grzegorz Krychowiak; Sevilla's new defensive midfielder and the obstacle Germany will have to overcome if they hope to break down their hosts. 

Moving from Stade Reims in the summer, this 24-year-old midfielder has had a great start to life in Spain starting all but one of Sevilla's league matches, as they've marched to third spot in the Spanish top division. 

Young, hungry and feverishly on-form; Krychowiak is the player to keep your eye on in this Polish side. 

Low's Ever-Changing Tactics

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Despite just winning the World Cup for Germany just a few months ago, Low's tenure as national team coach has been riddled with a number of sudden tactical changes from one game to the next. 

With the number of injuries that Germany are currently having to contend with we should perhaps expect to see more of the same against Poland on Saturday. 

Low has, to his credit, stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation in the past three games but varied it by either using a direct striker in Gomez or Klose or a false nine in Mario Gotze as the lone forward up front. 

With both Gotze and Kruse desperate to start, alongside two other options in Andre Schurrle and Thomas Muller, Low does have alternative options; albeit it very few obvious and proven ones to choose from. 

Germany should still be able to provide a strong team to face Poland on Saturday but how they line up and in what formation is anyone's guess.