Heading into the October international break, Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany simply can’t afford to drop any more points. With games against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, it sounds simple. However, having already lost to Slovakia in the group, Die Mannschaft are already playing catch-up. One more slip-up and they will be looking for favours from other nations to get something from Slovakia.
Current Form
Germany’s current form is dodgy to say the least. With one win in just five competitive matches, Die Mannschaft needs to put together back-to-back wins for the first time since November last year.
Germany has never played Luxembourg in a competitive competition before. Ranked 96th in the World, Germany will fancy their chances. However, the micro-states aren’t often on the back of a hammering these days. In recent internationals, they’ve managed wins against Sweden, though they are winless in five matches.
Germany have already played Northern Ireland this campaign, coming out as 3-1 winners. Prior to that, Northern Ireland have beaten the likes of Luxembourg and narrowly lost 2-1 in Copenhagen against Denmark.
Whilst the odds are clearly in Germany’s favour, they’re going to have to start getting wins under their belt.
Should themselves and Slovakia win their remaining games, top spot will be settled in Germany when the nations face off on the final matchday next month.
Team News
While the pressure is on Nagelsmann and Die Mannschaft, they’re going to have to win without the in-form Nick Woltemade, who has hit the ground running with Newcastle United.
The forward remains a doubt for Luxembourg due to flu-like symptoms. The most in-form national team forward right now, Germany will be hoping he recovers in time for the match in Belfast.
Elsewhere, veteran goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has withdrawn from the squad due to illness. In his place comes SC Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, who earns his first senior call-up.
Germany host Luxembourg on Friday 10th, before traveling to Windsor Park in Belfast on Monday 13th.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
