Germany were expected to wrap up this group with ease but find themselves needing at least a point from this final game to ensure that they top the group. The main reason as to why they find themselves in this situation is due to the fact that Slovakia managed to claim a historic win against them back in September, running out 2-0 winners in the early stages of qualifying.

Germany have won their four other games in this qualifying group with the other sides being Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Neither of those nations can break into the top two now, so this is a straight shootout between Germany and Slovakia for top spot. Despite Slovakia’s statement win over Germany a few months back, I think they’ll struggle to live with the talent in the German ranks now that they are the away side.

Germany registered an xG of 1.74 in their defeat to Slovakia a few months ago, so we can expect Julian Naglesmann’s side to have quite a few chances here. They also dominated the ball with 70% possession, leading to 14 shots and two big chances. Slovakia have performed admirably in qualifying so far, but it would be a real surprise if they were to repeat their home win over Germany in this crucial encounter.

Poland were aided by Malta in their most recent match as the home side here claimed a surprise 1-0 win over Finland, which has secured Poland’s progression from this group as the second placed side. Topping the group is unlikely for Poland, even with a win here, as Netherlands sit three points ahead of them and have a vastly superior goal difference.

That being said, Poland can match the two goals they scored against Malta when the sides met back in March knowing that there isn’t much pressure on them to do so. Poland registered an xG of 2.91 in that 2-0 victory which saw them have 28 shots, 12 of which found the target. Poland achieved those impressive attacking numbers without Robert Lewandowski on that occasion, who is expected to lead the line here.

Lewandowski can be the driving catalyst for Poland goals here with the 37 year old netting 86 goals across his 162 caps for his country. He registered an assist in Poland’s 1-1 draw with Netherlands last time out and can be a real thorn in the side of a Malta outfit that have conceded 16 goals across their seven qualifying matches this term (2.28 per game).

Croatia have dominated this group and this should be another straightforward victory for Zlatko Dalic’s side as they eye up another deep run at a major tournament. Croatia have won six of their seven matches in this group, only dropping points in a 0-0 draw with Czechia on the road last month.

Croatia beat Montenegro 4-0 when the sides met earlier in the qualifying campaign with Croatia registering an xG of 3.32 on that occasion from 32 shots. They were aided by a first half red card for Montenegro, but are likely to dominate even when the playing field is level.

Croatia have not conceded a goal across their three away matches in this qualifying group, netting eight in the process which has seen them win two of these matches. Montenegro have conceded 14 goals across their seven qualifying matches (2.0 per game) and are likely to struggle with the scoring power of Croatia here, as they did when the sides met last month.

Northern Ireland’s defeat against Slovakia last time out ended the slim chance they had of finishing second in this group, making this game a free hit for Michael O’Neill’s side. The most recent head to head clash between these sides produced four goals as Northern Ireland ran out 3-1 winners as the away side,

They were aided by a red card on that occasion, but managed to establish a 2-1 lead in the game before that sending off. Northern Ireland ended the game with 11 shots and an xG of 1.40, which are tallies that they can better here as the home side.

Northern Ireland don’t have anything to lose here so they can play with their shackles off as they look to end their qualifying campaign on a high. Luxembourg’s goal against Northern Ireland in the most recent head to head clash shows that they can also contribute to the overall goal count here.