Germany vs Sweden Prediction
If you look at the form guide, Germany have won just one of their last 7 games, 6 of them in friendlies. This is often the case with them and they are underperformers in friendlies and a totally different proportion when it comes to major tournaments.
Therefore, one cannot rule out Germany from the World Cup, despite the lackluster performance in the opening game. This is a team that made it from the group phase in each of their 16 previous appearances at the World Cup and some minor tweaks upfront will see them come to life.
Sweden are too defensive and not as fast as Mexico on the counter. On top of that, their inability to finish off scoring chances were evident in the win against South Korea. They still remain without a goal in 430 minutes of open play.
Therefore, do not expect another surprise result on Saturday, but bank on Muller and company to get back to winning ways.
Head to head
Germany and Sweden have a long footballing history. The nations faced each other 15 times before Germany split into West Germany, East Germany and Saarland.
Before the start of World War II, Germany won five times and Sweden six times, with two draws.
After World War II, West Germany beat Sweden six times, lost five times and drew four games.
After east German sports organisations ceased to exist after 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a reunified Germany are unbeaten in six games against Sweden, winning four times and drawing twice.
Germany vs Sweden Team News and Predicted Starting Line-ups
Germany Team News
Jonas Hector is available for selection after sitting out of the game against Mexico through illness. He could replace Marvin Plattenhardt at left back.
Ilkay Gundogan is an option if Low prefer more creativity in midfield, who could come in place of Sami Khedira.
Ozil had a poor game against Mexico, he might get a second chance here.
Germany Predicted Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Neuer – Hector, Boateng, Hummels, Kimmich – Khedira, Kroos – Draxler, Ozil, Muller – Werner.
Sweden Team News
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof missed the game against South Korea after falling ill overnight.
Lindelof could replace Pontus Jansson if deemed fit enough to play the full 90 minutes.
Any other changes are hardly expected from Janne Andersson.
Sweden Predicted Starting Line-up (4-4-2):
Olsen – Lustig, Granqvist, Jansson, Augustinsson – Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Claesson – Berg, Toivonen.
Tag :
Germany vs Sweden,
World Cup 2018
