Germany U21 vs. Greece U21 preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Germany U21

Germany head into the international break brimming with confidence after wins against Albania (2-0) and Latvia (5-0) last time around, scoring seven goals without conceding. They sit top of Group F after one game, level on points and goals with Friday’s visitors Greece, setting the stage for an intriguing clash.

Di Salvo has made several changes to the squad since the last break. Goalkeeper Leon Wechsel and midfielders Assan Ouédraogo and Tom Bischof are new additions, while Paul Wanner and Nnamdi Collins return - Collins looking to regain confidence after a challenging debut with the senior side. Meanwhile, Linus Gechter, Aljoscha Kemlein, and Brajan Gruda have withdrawn, with Elias Baum, Kofi Amoako and Julian Pauli stepping in as replacements.

Attention will again fall on Germany’s vast wealth within their attacking options. With Ouédraogo and Mert Kömür joining the in-form trio of Nicolo Tresoldi, Said El Mala, and Ilyas Ansah, Di Salvo will hope to exploit their firepower to dominate proceedings.

On Friday’s opponents, Di Salvo stressed caution: “Greece is a good team and has a lot to offer, especially up front. Stefanos Tzimas played strongly in Nuremberg last year. They also impressed in their 5-0 win over Malta. Our group is very evenly matched, so we won’t underestimate any team.”

Team news:

Aside from the earlier withdrawals, Germany have a near-full squad. Nnamdi Collins remains a doubt as he recovers from a flu-like infection, with a late decision on his availability expected.

Greece U21

Greece enter the match on the back of an emphatic 5-0 win over Malta, displaying complete dominance and preventing their opponents from registering a single shot on target.

Taousianis has made extensive changes for the qualifiers, recalling 13 players who were absent last time. Among them is their key forward Stefanos Tzimas, familiar to many in the German squad from his time at Nürnberg, and potential debutant midfielder Christos Almyras.

Historically, Greece have struggled against Germany, failing to win since 1998, with three losses and one draw in four encounters since then. A victory here would provide a major boost for their Group F aspirations.

Team news:

Despite being called up originally, forward Giorgos Koutsias remains with his club Lugano, appearing in a friendly yesterday as he continues his return to full fitness. Otherwise, Greece have no injury concerns.

Predicted lineups

Germany (4-3-3): Seimen (GK) - Baum, Morgalla, Blank, Ullrich - Aséko Nkili, Wanner, Damar - El Mala, Tresoldi, Weiper 

Greece (4-3-3): Botis (GK) - Galiatsos, Alexiou, Kalogeropoulos, Allen - Goumas, Kaloskamis, Bregou - C. Kostoulas, Tzimas, Pnevmonidis