Azerbaijan vs. Germany: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview

Germany will be looking to preserve their perfect record in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying on Sunday as they visit Azerbaijan.

The world champions have sailed through the first four games in Group C so far, netting 16 goals and conceding none. They'll be the big favourites to continue their immaculate record when they make the trip to the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, too.

It's unlikely the game will be a total stroll for the visitors, however. Azerbaijan continue to make progress and, after four games, only trail second place Northern Ireland on goal difference. A win here would be the biggest result in the nation's history.

Here's a look ahead to what will be an intriguing contest, including all the information needed on where to catch the action.

Date: Sunday, March 26

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

TV Info: Sky Sports (U.K.), ESPN2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (U.K.), Watch ESPN (U.S.)

Preview

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Germany warmed up for this encounter with a 1-0 win over England on Wednesday, although Joachim Low's side were not at their fluid best.

At times the back line was troubled by the visitors, with Adam Lallana and Dele Alli, in particular, finding plenty of space in midfield positions. You sense Low will want to see a lot more when they kick off in a serious fixture on Sunday.

You sense they'll produce more, too, especially given the showdown in Dortmund did have a testimonial feel to it as the team honoured Lukas Podolski in his final game for the Germany team. Per OptaFranz, the veteran forward finished off one of the best moves of the match:

With the likes of Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger stepping aside recently, there's a chance for a new generation of young players to make their mark for the world champions.

A couple of them turned out on Wednesday, too. The most exciting rising star is arguably Manchester City man Leroy Sane, who is blossoming under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. His searing pace and agility will be key to breaking down a team whose modus operandi will be to sit deep and stifle.

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Julian Brandt is another. The Bayer Leverkusen man has been a bright spark in a difficult season for the club with his intricate playing style on the flank. Per sports journalist Jack Lusby, he was part of a fluid attacking setup along with Sane against England:

What will be of minor concern to Low is the amount of injuries the team seems to be accruing ahead of this World Cup qualifier.

While Mesut Ozil has made the trip despite his recent absence, there will be some noticeable absentees, including Julian Weigl and Timo Werner; the former has a thigh problem, while the latter has a hamstring issue and has returned to RB Leipzig.

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Whoever steps into midfield to partner Toni Kroos in Weigl's absence will have a big job to do in Baku. Per Bleacher Report's Lars Pollman, in an otherwise fractured friendly showing against England, this was the one facet of the side that flourished:

Azerbaijan have had some decent results in their qualifying matches so far, holding Czech Republic to a 0-0 draw away from home and beating Norway in Baku. With Germany the standout side in the group, top spot is beyond them, but Robert Prosinecki's men will feel second place is not.

Even so, it's difficult to see how they will take anything from this one. Germany's squad may be riddled with key absentees, but they have class in all areas of the field. Azerbaijan will put up a fight, but they won't have enough to stem what will be relentless pressure from the visitors.

Prediction: Azerbaijan 0-3 Germany