On Monday afternoon Germany and Australia go head-to-head in Sochi in Group B of the Confederations Cup.
Australia heads into this difficult clash on the back of a 4-0 defeat by Brazil in Melbourne. The loss brought to an end a nine-game unbeaten run, although four of those games were drawn.
Despite the loss to Brazil, the Socceroo’s will be heading into this game in a decent mood after consecutive wins over UAE and Saudi Arabia prior to losing against the Selecao.
The Aussies will be major underdogs in this clash. However, they have avoided defeat in two of their last four international clashes with Germany.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will have to deal with the absence of experienced central midfielder Mile Jedinak. However, Brighton’s new record-signing Mat Ryan will start in goal. Huddersfield-bound midfielder Aaron Mooy is also set to start in midfield, so there are two players for Premier League fans to scout ahead of the new English top-flight season.
Germany are major favourites to win this game. Die Mannschaft head into this clash on a run of ten games unbeaten, eight of which they have won.
Joachim Low’s side's only defeat in their last 17 games came at Euro 2016 by hosts France, who were enjoying a good run of form. Their previously defeat had come back in May 2016 against Slovakia, when Low had fielded a weakened team in a friendly match.
The European giants have been relatively prolific in recent games and have scored two or more goals in seven of their last ten international games, including in their last match, a 7-0 drubbing of minnows San Marino in World Cup qualifying.
Germany have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to squad strength. Low could field Lars Stindl and Sandro Wagner in attack, with highly rated forward Timo Werner on the substitute’s bench.
Germany should have enough quality to defeat the Socceroo’s and Forebet predicts that the European giants will record a comfortable victory in this one.