Stosur leads Australian charge

Berlin - Sam Stosur says Australia will not be there just to make up the numbers when they face 2014 finalists Germany in this weekend's first round Fed Cup tie.

The 30-year-old Stosur is the top-ranked in a relatively inexperienced Australia side looking to repeat their 2012 win over the Germans at Stuttgart's Porsche Arena.

Three of the quartet for the World Group tie helped Australia to a 3-2 win over Germany two years ago and are looking to avenge their 3-1 semi-final defeat to the Germans in Brisbane last April.

"We've got as good a chance as anyone, but because there are only eight teams it's never going to be easy," said Stosur, ahead of her 27th Fed Cup tie.

"We've come up against Germany again so it's definitely a tough one."

Australia lead the head-to-head series 8-5, but the Germans field a strong team with three players in the top 30, including 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki and tenth-ranked Angelique Kerber.

The hosts want a convincing win to banish memories of their 3-1 defeat to the Czech Republic in the 2014 final.

The Germans are feeling the pressure to perform at home after all four of their team were knocked out in the opening round of the Australian Open.

"People forget that we have all lost before in the opening round," said Andrea Petkovic.

"The fact it happened to all of us at the same time is just a stupid accident."