Germany vs. Slovakia preview: Group A decider in Leipzig | OneFootball

Germany

Germany come into the decisive clash on the back of a 2-0 win over Luxembourg, with Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade scoring both goals. That result lifted them to 12 points after five matches, level with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference.

Nagelsmann’s men have responded impressively since their shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in the group opener, putting together four straight victories - twice over Northern Ireland and twice over Luxembourg. But this will be their sternest test since that loss in Bratislava.

Germany have already secured a top-two finish but must avoid defeat to qualify directly for next summer’s World Cup. A loss would send them into the playoffs, prolonging their path after group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Team news

Injuries continue to complicate Nagelsmann’s selection. Marc-André ter Stegen, Antonio Rüdiger, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz all remain sidelined.

However, there is positive news: Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck are in line to return after missing the Luxembourg game as a precaution.

Woltemade - now with three goals in seven caps - is expected to spearhead the attack again, supported by Florian Wirtz, who looks set to retain his place after a strong outing.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-2-2: Baumann - Baku, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum - Kimmich, Pavlovic - Amiri, Wirtz - Gnabry, Woltemade

Slovakia

Slovakia travel to Leipzig knowing exactly what is required: win, or face the playoffs. Francesco Calzona’s team collected a crucial 1-0 home win over Northern Ireland last time out, with Tomas Bobček striking late to seal their fourth victory of the campaign.

Slovakia opened their qualifying campaign by defeating Germany and Luxembourg, though a setback in Belfast briefly halted momentum. They have since rebounded with back-to-back wins and remain firmly in contention for a historic group triumph.

Slovakia have not reached a World Cup finals since 2010, but confidence will be high: they have beaten Germany in two of the last three meetings, including the reverse fixture in this group.

Team news

Calzona is expected to name a familiar XI for the decisive encounter. David Strelec should lead the line, while the experienced spine of Martin Dúbravka, Milan Škriniar and Stanislav Lobotka will anchor the side.

There are no fresh concerns from their win over Northern Ireland, and wholesale changes are unlikely.

Predicted lineup - 4-3-3: Dúbravka - Mesik, Skriniar, Gyömber, Hancko - Lobotka, Duda, Bero - Schranz, Strelec, Tupta