There are some excellent fixtures to look forward to in 2020 European Championship qualifying but you will be hard pressed to find something better than Germany vs Holland. This game takes place on the 6th September at the Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.
With Northern Ireland, Belarus and Estonia completing the group, both these teams were expected to progress. However, Northern Ireland may have other ideas and taking maximum points from this game will be crucial for either team.
Germany come into the match having won each of their last three games, all of which have come in Euro 2020 qualifying. They started with a good 3-2 victory in Holland which made them the clear favourites to top the group.
Welcome to Hamburg, boys! 🇩🇪#DieMannschaft #GERNED pic.twitter.com/Jfuavz7p48— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) September 2, 2019
Welcome to Hamburg, boys! 🇩🇪#DieMannschaft #GERNED pic.twitter.com/Jfuavz7p48
What followed was a 2-0 win in Belarus and a comprehensive 8-0 win at home over Estonia. Trends show Germany are undefeated in their last six matches, with the other three being friendlies and in the Nations League.
Germany are undefeated in their last seven home games. Three of which have been competitive, two in the Nations League and one in European Championship qualifying. However, Germany have won only one of those three matches, which was against Estonia. They were held at home in the Nations League by France and Holland in 0-0 and 2-2 draws respectively.
Germany have kept one clean sheet in their last three home games.
Holland make the short trip to Hamburg having lost their previous match which was the final of the Nations League. Having defeated England after extra-time in the semi-final during the summer, Holland met Portugal, the hosts, in the final but came up short, losing the match 1-0.
That result means the Dutch have won two of their last five games. In addition to the victory over England, Holland beat Belarus 4-0 in European Championship qualifying. They have played only two games in the group, with the second being at home to Germany and they lost that match 3-2, despite coming back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 in the second half.
Trends show Holland have failed to win any of their last six away games, including friendly matches. They have lost two and drawn four, with draws coming in Slovakia, Belgium, Italy and Germany. Both teams have scored in five of those six games.
Team news and Germany will probably start with Timo Werner up-front following his good start to the season in the Bundesliga. He could be supported by Marco Reus, with Toni Kroos in central midfield.
Holland will have Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt at the back, hoping to keep the German attack quiet. Memphis Depay could play as a lone striker.
Holland know if they lose this game, their chances of finishing top have all but disappeared. They are sure to have a go and may find the back of the net but Germany look strong and should come out on top.