Ecuador vs. Germany preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Having already secured top spot in Group E with victories over Curacao (7-1) and Cote d'Ivoire (2-1), Germany will wrap up the group stage against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Thursday (22:00 CEST).

Ecuador, meanwhile, need a victory to secure a place in the round of 32 after losing to Cote d'Ivoire and most recently being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Curacao. Despite registering 27 shots, Sebastián Beccacece's side failed to score and now face a must-win encounter.

Although Germany's place in the knockout stages is already guaranteed, midfielder Nadiem Amiri insists there will be no easing off.

"We need to keep this momentum going. Winning breeds confidence. We owe it to the other sides to approach the game as though our own tournament depends on it. It’s still a very important match," Amiri said, adding that he doesn't expect Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to experiment too much.

“Lots of Germany fans will be in the stadium, with many more watching back home. We want to win and we’ll give it everything. I can’t see Julian experimenting too much. We’ll approach it like a final.”

Team news and predicted lineups:

Ecuador have no new injury concerns, but head coach Sebastián Beccacece could freshen up his side after the disappointing draw against Curacao.

For Germany, the main talking point is how much Nagelsmann decides to rotate with qualification already secured.

While it would make sense to give some squad players game time – with super-sub Deniz Undav among them – the Germany coach also needs to preserve rhythm and build chemistry ahead of the knockout rounds.

"It will probably be a mix," Nagelsmann said ahead of the match.

Oliver Baumann could be handed a start in goal after impressing Nagelsmann with his attitude following Manuel Neuer's return, which saw the Hoffenheim goalkeeper lose his place as Germany's No. 1.

One change is unavoidable after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury.

Antonio Rüdiger, who came on to replace Schlotterbeck against Cote d'Ivoire, is expected to come into the starting XI alongside Jonathan Tah, giving the pair another opportunity to build an understanding at the heart of the defence.

Another likely change is at left-back, where David Raum could return after losing his place to Nathaniel Brown shortly before the World Cup.

Leon Goretzka, a player highly rated by Nagelsmann, could come into central midfield, while Deniz Undav is in line for a start up front after scoring three goals in two substitute appearances.

On the right wing, Jamie Leweling could replace Leroy Sané, who has struggled to make an impact in Germany's opening two matches.

Nagelsmann may also consider giving Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz a breather, but he could just as easily stick with the creative duo to help them build further rhythm ahead of the knockout phase.

Click here to see our predicted Ecuador vs. Germany lineups.