Julian Nagelsmann believes the pressure of facing Slovakia in a “knockout” clash will motivate Germany to win their final World Cup qualifier.

The fight for the automatic play-off spot in Group A is going down to the wire, with Germany top of the pile on goal difference, level on 12 points with Slovakia.

Germany lost 2-0 to Slovakia in their first match – only their third-ever World Cup qualifying defeat – but have won all four of their fixtures since then.

Slovakia, meanwhile, have only lost away to Northern Ireland, and another famous win over Nagelsmann’s side would see them avoid a play-off.

But Nagelsmann believes the winner-takes-all element to the match will bring the best out of his team.

“You’re bound to be a bit nervous in the morning. That’s part of it, but also what makes it exciting,” Nagelsmann said.

“If we were already through, we’d be totally relaxed. But there’s something appealing about the fact we aren’t.

“We’d have preferred to win in Slovakia, but we didn’t. This is the situation we’re in now. We can accept it.

“And that’s where the excitement lies in a knockout game like this, especially in the early stages.

“We expect to play a good game and to pick up all three points.”

Germany have struggled with injuries, with Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck unable to feature against Luxembourg on Friday.

However, Nagelsmann is hopeful the pair will be back in contention for Monday’s match.

“Nico Schlotterbeck will train normally, Joshua Kimmich still needs some rest,” Nagelsmann said.

“He is also out on the pitch, but we want to leave the structure undisturbed for as long as possible. We’ll decide [on Monday] whether he can play.

“But I’m optimistic that he can. It’s more about pain and comfort, but anyone who knows Joshua knows that he doesn’t like saying no to a match.

“With Schlotti, it might also hurt a bit, but the injury is healing well and hasn’t become inflamed. I assume he’ll be able to play.”