Prediction: Germany vs Chile

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The two heavyweights in the Confederations Cup Group B are set to clash in Kazan this Thursday, as Chile and Germany will play with a semifinal berth on the line. The winner would secure a berth in the next stage, so there is no question both sides will be extra motivated for this contest.

Germany

Despite the fact several experts have said Germany are not taking the tournament seriously, Germany formed a competitive squad and secured a 3-2 win in their debut against Australia. Joachim Low might be using an alternative side, but they still looked productive and threatening every time they stepped into the final third. Julian Draxler, Leon Goretzka and Sandro Wagner had interesting displays, and Lars Stindl looked surprisingly comfortable as an attacking midfielder. But they need to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Not only they conceded twice against Australia, but they also looked a bit outworked and overmatched in the second half. And Chile is a tougher opponent, one that will take advantage of those chances over the course of 90 minutes.

Team News

The manager has the entire squad available ahead of this fixture.

There might be some rotation in the lineup, however. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen could replace Bernd Leno between the posts, while Emre Can and Timo Werner have a good chance to start as well based on recent reports. It should be a stronger team in comparison to the one that played against Australia.

Chile

On the other hand, Chile were one of the top teams in Matchday 1 thanks to a convincing 2-0 win over Cameroon. The reigning Copa America champions overcame the absences of Alexis Sanchez and Claudio Bravo from the starting lineup, and still produced a quality display against the African side. There are areas where they can improve, though. They lacked a bit of accuracy on the attack as they failed to capitalise on several chances during the first 45 minutes. And they also need to play better defensively, because at times they allowed too many spaces to the opposing forwards. They can’t repeat those mistakes against Germany, a team used to capitalise the opposition’s mistakes when given a chance.

Team News

Juan Antonio Pizzi does not have a lot of doubts ahead of this game. After Sanchez played in the second half against Cameroon, all signs indicate the Arsenal winger will get the start on the left wing instead of Edson Puch.

The only doubt is whether Bravo will be fit to start. But after missing Wednesday’s training session, it seems Johnny Herrera will get another chance between the posts.

Key Factors to Consider

• Germany won 1-0 the last time these two sides met back in 2014.
• If Claudio Bravo does not start for Chile, it would be his fifth straight absence. Without him, Chile have two wins and two losses over the current month.
• Germany will present an alternative squad, so elements such as Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller will not play for the reigning World Cup Champions.
• Germany leads their Group in the European World Cup Qualifiers with six straight wins, 27 goals scored and only one allowed.
• Chile, on the other hand, sit fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. If the qualifying round ended today, they would automatically clinch a berth to Russia 2018.

Conclusion

It is going to be a hard-fought game. Chile are coming off a solid win against Cameroon, but Germany are a tougher opponent. And even though Die Mannschaft have an alternative squad, it is hard to rule them out. I reckon both sides will score in this game, but the winner will likely be a coin toss. Both sides are evenly-matched.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365