Northern Ireland vs Germany Predictions

Can Northern Ireland continue their 100% record in European Championship qualifying when they meet Germany on Monday? The hosts are massive outsiders for this clash at Windsor Park, despite their strong start so far. Those victories have put NI top of the group and left them in an interesting position ahead of a tough run-in. Michael O’Neill’s side will be desperate to return to the Euros following their impressive run in France three years ago, but can they really pile onto the Germans’ problems with a victory here?

NI have a tricky finale in this group, with their last four clashes taking them home and away to Germany and Holland. They had no room for error in their opening four games against Belarus and Estonia, but now the serious stuff really begins. If the hosts are going to make Euro 2020 it’s going to be through the qualifying group after a dire Nations League display, so their last two games at Windsor Park will be crucial.

Germany suffered their first loss of the campaign over the weekend, as they went down 4-2 at home to the Netherlands. That loss stopped them from moving top of the group, while it has put a little bit of panic amongst the German camp. They now need to win this clash, or else things could get tricky. However, with three wins from four, the Germans are on course for a place at the Euros, especially with another six-points all but nailed on in their meetings with Estonia and Belarus.

The Germans started strong against the Dutch, but their defence just isn’t what it used to be. A back three of Matthias Ginter, Jonathan Tah and Nicolas Sule isn’t the most experienced defensive line Germany have had in recent years. The three didn’t impress this week, with a Tah own goal putting Holland in front in the second half. While Germany remain impressive going forward, they need to be wary that their defence could let them down in this trip.

We expect Northern Ireland to make the most of home advantage and trouble this German defence. The visitors won 3-1 in their last clash at Windsor Park, while we expect the hosts to follow up a seven-game scoring streak at their own ground. We are backing NI to find the net in this one, given that Germany have conceded six times in this group already. Seven of the visitors’ last 10 have seen them fail to keep a clean sheet, so we think there’s value in BTTS here.