Prediction: Germany vs Spain

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 19/10

Bookmaker: Betfair

The international break may be seen as a pointless exercise for many, but when you’ve got two of the best international teams in world football competing against one another, it doesn’t really matter whether or not it’s a friendly. Between 2008 and 2014 these nations won two World Cups and two European Championships between them, and they seem to be just getting started.

Germany

The champions of the world are back to their efficient best at this current moment in time, as they prepare to defend their title in Russia this summer. Under the guidance of Joachim Low they’ve been able to consistently reinvent themselves on the pitch, all the while being able to find a perfect balance between high profile veterans and promising young talent.

They’re no strangers to the Spanish who have knocked them out of both the World Cup and the Euros in recent years, but you have to question how much emphasis they’ll put on a fixture like this. They’ll be desperate to maintain full fitness ahead of a tough few months domestically, and with a game against Brazil to come in a few short days, this’ll be an interesting test.

Team News

Manuel Neuer has been ruled out with a foot injury, meanwhile, the likes of Reus, Gotze and Schurrle weren’t selected as Werner looks set to start up front.

Spain

Following a few years of sitting on the sidelines in the wake of their incredible run from 2008 to 2012, it seems as if the Spanish are ready to re-discover the form which made them the best team in world football once upon a time. They’ve got an extremely winnable group at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, and they’ll be full of confidence heading into this friendly.

Given the rarity of them playing against the Germans we can expect a feeling out process, with Spain likely approaching the game as if it was a competitive affair. They’ll need to come out firing given that they’re away from home, and with the Germans’ proficiency being well noted, they’ll need to ensure they don’t make any mistakes – because they’ll be capitalised on.

Team News

While they may not have any considerable injuries, Morata, Pedro, Mata and Fabregas were some of the many notable names who weren’t selected. Diego Costa will likely be Spain’s leading man.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spain have won three of the last four meetings between the two countries.
• Neither team has lost since being knocked out of UEFA Euro 2016.
• They are both the only two teams to ever achieve a 100% WC qualifying record.
• Overall, Germany holds the advantage in the overall head to head.
• Germany’s WC group of Mexico, Sweden and South Korea seems slightly harder than Spain’s which includes Portugal, Iran and Morocco.

Conclusion

A lot of the important factors associated with predictions usually go out of the window for friendlies, and that’s once again the case in this instance. This just feels like the kind of game which Spain will thrive on, regardless of there being no pressure, as they’ll want to make a statement in the home nation of the current world champions.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 19/10

Bookmakers: Betfair