Germany vs. Ukraine Preview, Odds, Predictions (June 12)

Initial Thoughts

With the domestic season in Europe now over, the international break gets underway this week as Germany welcome Ukraine to the Weserstadion in Bremen. 

Tonight's matchup will likely be an international friendly by name alone though, as there’s plenty on the line for both sides.

The Narrative

As the host nation for UEFA Euro 2024, Germany can sidestep a lengthy qualification process and concentrate on fine-tuning their squad for next summer’s competition.

But Hansi Flick still has a significant job on his hands after Die Mannschaft’s humiliating exit from last year’s World Cup.

Germany were eliminated in the first round in Qatar after finishing third behind Spain and Japan in the group stage. And after keeping his job by the skin of his teeth, Flick will use the summer friendlies to rally his troops and rebuild Germany’s starting lineup.

Ukraine just missed out on a place in Qatar after losing to Wales in their play-off final in the summer. And since then the Blue and Yellow have gotten off to the worst possible start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, losing 2-0 to Gareth Southgate’s England in their opening Group C fixture back in March.

Only two sides will progress from the qualifying rounds and with defending champions Italy also in the group, Sergiy Rebrov’s side need to secure back to back wins against North Macedonia and Malta this weekend.

Tonight’s friendly against Germany is the ideal preparation for those fixtures, and a strong performance against Die Mannschaft would stand Ukraine in good stead ahead of two must-win Euro 2024 matchups.

Nuts and Bolts

Already playing catch-up in Euro 2024 qualifying Group C - which also features reigning champions Italy - as they sit fourth in the rankings, Ukraine ought to put some points on the board in their upcoming battles with North Macedonia and Malta under the tutelage of 

Sergiy Rebrov is less than a month into his tenure as Ukraine head coach and the ex-Tottenham and West Ham man faces a huge opening match in charge against Hansi Flick’s Germany.

Ukraine arrive in Monday night’s matchup having failed to find the net in four of their last five outings, and their record against the Germans won’t exactly fill Rebrov with confidence.

Die Mannschaft came out on top in both of their last meetings in the Nations League two years ago, and Ukraine have failed to come away with a win in any of the last seven encounters.

On top of that, Rebrov will be without inspirational captain Oleksandr Zinchenko, who’s still recovering from the Premier League season-ending calf injury he secured at the Emirates as Arsenal pushed in vain for the title.

Germany will also be without key players, with Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan and Inter Milan's Robin yet to arrive on international duty after Saturday’s Champions League final.

But in their absence, one player waiting to steal limelight is Werder Bremen’s Niclas Fullkrug.

Fullkrug was top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with 16 goals and 5 assists. And he also found the net in both of Germany’s recent friendlies back in March.

Tonight’s game takes place at Werder Bremen’s home stadium, so expect another strong performance in Germany colors from the German top flight’s deadliest striker.

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala is also in electric form, with 12 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga this season.

Homestand Picks

All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets

Both Teams To Score: No (+105)

Although Germany have kept just a single clean sheet in their last six matches, Ukraine have managed to find the net only once in their last 540 minutes of football.

Pre-pack Parlay: Germany & Niclas Fullkrug to score (+133)

The Bundesliga’s top scorer has three in his last two for the national team, and we’re backing the Werder Bremen man to find the night again tonight.

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