
Germany are warm favourites as they welcome Northern Ireland to Cologne in round two of Group A. The visitors arrive in Germany after an opening day trip to Luxembourg, who will have to wait until October before they play in front of their fans. But can they get anything out of their trip to the group favourites? Or will it be a case of keeping the score down?
Germany are ranked 9th in the FIFA ranking for a reason. Expected to completely runaway with this group, Julian Nagelsmann's star studded side won't have too many concerns when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup next summer.
However, they will be without Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz - which makes life a little more difficult. However, before Northern Irish fans start to believe, their team will need to keep Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi, and Serge Gnabry - to name a few - quiet, in front of their own fans.
Although Germany disappointed in the UEFA Nations League against Portugal and France, this is much calmer waters for them - and a convincing win looks to be the most likely outcome for the powerful hosts.
Northern Ireland are going to be tussling with Slovakia and Luxembourg for that all important second place - and perhaps their results vs Germany don't matter to a certain extent - as long as they don't get out of hand.
And that's going to be the incentive for the underdogs. Goal difference could be crucial if Northern Ireland are to squeeze through in behind the Germans, and one or two big defeats could see their chances all but over.
Wins on the road are few and far between for Northern Ireland, who have conceded five on their travels against Spain and Sweden over the last 12 months - that must improve if they are to have any hope at all.
The last time these two nations met, Northern Ireland suffered a humiliating 6-2 defeat back in 2019. In fact, Germany have won their last 10 meetings, stretching back to 1997. however, Northern Ireland did draw with Germany away from home the year before, and even managed to beat them 1-0 once upon a time (back in 1983).
It looks like it will be men vs boys in Cologne. Germany are the alpha male, while Northern Ireland are hoping to keep the score down. But can they? Nathan Joyes provides his conclusive answer and best bet below.
There's no surprise that Germany are the clear favourites - but it's quite surprising to see their price to not concede.
Germany are a cut above anyone in this group - especially on home soil - and they will want to regroup and show why they are a team to take seriously at the World Cup next summer.
With so much attacking quality, this game could easily get out of hand - but with Bayern's Jonathan Tah and Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger at the heart of their defence, Northern Ireland's chances are going to be extremely limited.
Rudiger isn't the first name on the teamsheet in Spain anymore, and he will have a point to prove that he is worth that spot - and this is a chance for him to showcase why he's one of the best in the world.
Sometimes bets don't need to be overcomplicated - and this is one of those. Back the hosts to get the job done with ease.
TIP: Germany to win to nil at 11/10 with Betano.
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