Overview
Germany and the Netherlands are direct competitors for the top spot in Group 3 of League A. Therefore, the direct confrontation between the two teams will be crucial in deciding the top spot in the group.
Germany are the favourites heading into this clash. They have won two and drawn one of their first three games and are top of the group with seven points. Germany have beaten Hungary 5-0 and Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1. Their only draw came at home at the Amsterdam Arena in the Netherlands. These positive results give Germany a huge advantage in Group 3.
Germany is 2 points ahead of the Netherlands and as long as they don't lose their next match, they will almost certainly be able to take the top spot. With home advantage and a squad in better form, Germany will likely take the initiative.
Deniz Undav scored both goals in Germany's 2-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Stuttgart player is expected to continue his scoring streak against the Netherlands.
As for the Netherlands, they made things difficult for themselves when they failed to take advantage of their home field to beat Germany. In fact, in the match against Hungary, they were even disappointed when they were held to a 1-1 draw by their opponents and lost captain Virgil Van Dijk to a red card.
Denzel Dumfries has scored in both of his last two appearances for the national team. Therefore, this defender will be a big threat to the home team's defense.
Three of the last six meetings between the two sides have ended in draws. Last month's match in Amsterdam also ended in a 2-2 draw.
Human resources situation
Germany will continue to be without the services of Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz due to injury.
On the other side of the front line, Matthijs de Ligt is expected to return to the main squad to replace Van Dijk.
Expected lineup:
Germany: Baumann, Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt, Wirtz, Andrich, Gross, Gnabry, Undav, Kleindienst.
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, De Ligt, De Vrij, Van de Ven, Gravenberch, Reijnders, Malen, Simons, Gakpo, Zirkzee.
The match between Germany and the Netherlands takes place at 1:45 a.m. on October 15 (Vietnam time).
