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Germany takes on Scotland on the opening night of the European Championships. The host nation is expected to begin their campaign with maximum points. Steve Clarke’s Scotland have an almighty task ahead, can they cause a shock result at the Allianz Arena?
Germany is a worthy contender for Euro 2024. Die Mannschaft are the host nation, which, of course, adds expectation. This country has had success in international tournaments. Julian Nagelsmann's appointment came in September 2023. The 26-man squad has a nice balance of experience coinciding with young stars.
The Germans are third favourites to win this competition for a fourth time. They can go all the way. The midfield has an abundance of class with Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan. Jamal Musiala is an exceptional talent. The 21-year-old will likely play alongside Florian Wirtz, another sublime young star. Kai Havertz should lead the attack. The Arsenal attacker has proven to be a good piece of business. Germany will be a threat if things click.
Their qualification campaign was excellent. The Tartan Army won their opening five encounters, including victories over Spain and Norway. It’s just a solitary win in nine since then. Gibraltar is ranked 203rd by FIFA. That 2-0 victory isn’t exactly jaw-dropping. Defeat against Northern Ireland and recently drawing 2-2 with Finland hasn’t filled fans with confidence. Preparation hasn’t been brilliant for Steve Clark and Scotland.
There are many recognisable names in the Scotland camp. Andy Robertson captains the side. John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie provide further experience. Scotland will be up against it; I expect them to struggle. Group A is tough. Switzerland, Hungary and Germany pose more of a threat.
These two nations have met four times since the millennium. Germany has claimed victory on three occasions. The most recent encounter was back in 2015. Germany edged a five-goal thriller that night. They won 3-2 at Hampden Park.
Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan all started for the Germans that night. The quartet are all in the squad nine years later.
Grant Hanley is the only player from that squad travelling to Germany. The Scots’ side has improved since this clash. I’d also say that the German side is better than the one selected for the visit to Glasgow.
International football can be a tricky task to call when looking at the statistics. There are far fewer matches than club football, which throws the form book out the window.
Despite all that, here are three interesting stats ahead of this Euro 2024 match between Germany vs Scotland.
Germany is the overwhelming favourite. I hoped to find an angle supporting the host nation in the big markets. Unfortunately, the prices are just too low. I’ve taken a different avenue; my selection focuses on a particular player.
The European Championships have finally arrived. What a tournament we have ahead of us. Germany is the place to be this summer.
Germany is the overwhelming favourite. I hoped to find an angle supporting the host nation in the major markets. Unfortunately, the prices are just too short. I’ve taken a different avenue; my selection focuses on a particular player.
Kai Havertz had a successful debut campaign with Arsenal. The German found the back of the net 13 times, assisted seven and received 11 yellow cards. Kai is lively and isn’t afraid to put himself about. Across the 23/24 Premier League season, the 24-year-old recorded 0.95 Shot on Target (SOT) per 90 with 1.50 fouls won. Backing him to achieve both of these marks, pays 10/11 (1.91) at the time of writing.
The home side will have the majority of possession. Scotland is likely to sit deep and look to frustrate from the get-go. Kai Havertz is the most likely scorer in this encounter. He’s a threat, and I like his chances of recording a SOT.
Havertz recorded at least one SOT in ten of his final 12 matches for Arsenal in 23/24. Those included meetings with Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Our man bagged the equaliser in Germany’s previous clash. He’ll relish the occasion in Munich.
That 1.50 fouls won per 90 across the Premier League is impressive. It’s 1.51 per 90 in the Champions League. We need him to win just one on Friday night. He’s achieved that in five of his six previous international appearances.
I'm not expecting this fixture to have a high number of goals. We can add Under 4.5 Goals, which boosts the bet into an odds against selection. In the previous tournament, two games across the opening two rounds of fixtures witnessed five or more goals.
Munich will be rocking on Friday night; I expect Kai to be up for it in front of the overwhelming home support. The proposed selection appeals.
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