Northern Ireland and Germany have a key game on their hands, as Group A has turned into a three-horse race for the top spot.

Northern Ireland have a key game on their hands, which will effectively take them top of Group A as they prepare to take on Germany on Monday. Slovakia were the leaders coming into this international break, but Michael O’Neill’s men put in a. solid performance to defeat them with a 2-0 scoreline and go level on points.

With three games left to play in this qualification phase, Northern Ireland have given themselves a good enough chance to compete with the likes of Slovakia and current leaders Germany to stake a claim at the automatic qualification spot. With Slovakia expected to win over Luxembourg this week, O’Neill’s men find themselves in a must-win situation against Germany, who have already beaten them earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Julian Nagelsmann’s side took full advantage of an early red card for Luxembourg in their game with the minnows and produced a good enough performance that saw them win by a 4-0 scoreline. The result has taken them to the top of Group A.

Germany now visit Belfast with an impressive record there, having won on all three of their previous visits to Northern Ireland. Nagelsmann is not free of pressure, as there is a need to get out of this qualification group as winners. A win here against O’Neill’s men would elevate their chances to finish as group winners, something the German manager will demand from his players.

Team News & Tactics

Northern Ireland

The win over Slovakia did come at a cost for Northern Ireland, who will miss captain and Liverpool star Conor Bradley with a suspension, as he must sit this one out. With the right-back playing more as a wing-back in the Northern Ireland setup, Brodie Spencer is the best placed to replace him in the starting lineup.

Other than the enforced change, O’Neill is not expected to change his starting lineup from the win over Slovakia, meaning backup keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will continue to deputise for the injured Pierce Charles.

Shea Charles is expected to sit at the base of the midfield with Isaac Price and Ali McCann on either side, while Crystal Palace star Justin Devenny will feature in the left wing-back role. Dion Charles will lead the line alongside Jamie Reid.

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair; Spencer, Price, S.Charles, McCann, Devenny; D.Charles, Reid

Germany

Julian Nagelsmann continues to miss several of his key stars for this international break, including Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rudiger and keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Niclas Fullkrug also has a calf issue that could keep him out of this clash.

However, the richness of talent in German football does allow Nagelsmann to pivot towards other stars as alternatives, with Nick Woltemade the likely candidate to lead the line. The German boss will also keep some momentum within his squad in terms of their playing style, meaning the likes of Joshua Kimmich will feature from a right-back slot.

Alexsandar Pavlovic will take up a midfield position alongside Bayern Munich teammate Leon Goretzka. Serge Gnabry will be the man to occupy the No.10 role, with Karim Adeyemi and Florian Wirtz likely to feature in the wide roles.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Anton, Tah, Raum; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Adeyemi, Gnabry, Wirtz; Woltemade

Key Stats

• Northern Ireland have lost their last ten meetings with Germany.
• Germany have won each of their last three visits to Belfast with a 9-2 aggregate scoreline.
• However, Michael O’Neill’s team are unbeaten in their last seven games in Belfast, winning six (D1).
• Meanwhile, Northern Ireland have won their last five competitive games at Windsor Park by an aggregate score of 13-0,
• Julian Nagelsmann’s record over his first 27 matches as Germany head coach reads: W15, D6, L6.

Player to Watch

Florian Wirtz

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The German attacker has come into the spotlight ever since his move to Liverpool in the Premier League. Having yet to score or assist in the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League, there is growing pressure on his young shoulders to deliver.

What he needs right now is the right environment and improved confidence to keep performing at the top level, particularly when he returns to Liverpool this week. A top-notch display against Northern Ireland, especially if it bears a goal or assist, will be a major boost for Wirtz, although his overall numbers have not been as bad as many have imagined.

Prediction

Northern Ireland 1-2 Germany

Northern Ireland are in the thick of the battle in Group A, something Michael O’Neill will be aware of and will look to put in another strong performance. While they got their way against Slovakia, the chances of the same happening against Germany are slightly against the odds.

Germany are a well-drilled outfit under Nagelsmann despite their occasional wobble. As they travel to Northern Ireland, their record here speaks volumes, and once again, Germany will return home victorious from this clash and tighten the grip at the top of Group A. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Julian Nagelsmann and his charges.