Verdict: Karim Adeyemi over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Desperate to avoid what would be an infamous World Cup qualifying banana skin on Friday night, Germany will welcome Luxembourg to the PreZero Arena.
Germany
Starting with the hosts, while Germany might have claimed an essential boost last time out as they clinched a 3-1 victory at home against Northern Ireland, the pressure on Julian Nagelsmann’s shoulders remains at a real bolting point. Getting their World Cup qualifying adventure underway with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Slovakia, the former Bayern Munich boss has come under serious scrutiny. Losing three of their previous four appearances across all competitions, the European giants have also failed to register consecutive victories so far this calendar year. Simply looking to avoid what would be an infamous qualifying banana skin this weekend, Germany have also continued to show some glaring defensive issues. In fact, Nagelsmann’s side have failed to muster a clean sheet from any of their last seven consecutive outings.
Germany Team News
Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt, Nathaniel Brown has been handed a maiden senior call-up. Likewise, Borussia Dortmund ace Nico Schlotterbeck has been handed a recall to Naglesmann’s squad and could feature from the start.
However, drastically failing to find his feet after arriving at West Ham last year, Niklas Fullkrug has been omitted and will play no part this month. Recording five direct goal contributions in as many appearances for BVB, Karim Adeyemi could be handed the chance to feature from the start.
Luxembourg
As for the visitors, getting their respective World Cup qualifying adventure underway with a 3-1 loss at home against Northern Ireland on September 4th, Luxembourg have only further underlined their status as Group A’s ultimate whipping boys. Last seen falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Slovakia, Jeff Strasser’s men couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination here. Hit with a 7-0 drumming when they last travelled to the European heavyweights back in 2016, it is no surprise why Luxembourg are universally regarded as a landslide underdog this weekend. It should also be highlighted, the Red Lions have failed to muster a single competitive victory since way back in November 2023. Notching just a sole strike in over 360 minutes of action, Strasser’s camp will simply be looking to try and cause some mild frustrations.
Luxembourg Team News
While Venezia defender Seid Korac might have been forced to miss out against Slovakia last time out, the 23-year-old should make a full return on Friday night. Progres Niederkorn striker Kenan Avdusinovic has been handed a first international call-up.
While Tomas de Sousa might still be waiting to make his senior debut for Portuguese giants Benfica, the 20-year-old should start in the middle of the park. Making a summer switch to Saudi outfit Al-Khaleej, former Royale Union goalkeeper Anthony Moris will start between the sticks.
Germany vs Luxembourg Key Factors to Consider
- When Germany and Luxembourg last met back in May 2006, Friday’s hosts stormed their way to a 7-0 victory.
- Despite landing an essential 3-1 victory against Northern Ireland last time out, Germany have lost their other three appearances across all competitions.
- Germany have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their last seven matchups across all fronts.
- Luxembourg have lost their opening two World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 4-1.
- Likewise, Friday’s guests have failed to muster a single competitive victory since way back in November 2023.
Conclusion
While Germany might have failed to register consecutive victories so far this calendar year, the European giants are rightfully installed as a landslide contender on Friday night. Simply looking to avoid what would be an infamous World Cup qualifying defeat here, Nagelsmann’s camp have been handed a golden opportunity. Landing a routine 7-0 romp when they last met Luxembourg back in May 2006, their under pressure boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance at the PreZero Arena.
Verdict: Karim Adeyemi over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
