Spain vs Germany: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

The European powerhouses will lock horns on Sunday night in a vibrant match at Al Bayt Stadium.

Spain's savagery was on display in the 7-1 thrashing of Costa Rica, as the side showed how much power they possess when given a tiny opportunity of controlling the match. Many believed Spain's dominance was due to Costa Rica, but La Roja's actual test will come against the 2014 World Cup champions, Germany. However, Spain is a markedly better team under Luis Enrique and could derail Germany's World Cup hopes.

Germany are facing yet another World Cup group-stage exit, suffering another shocking setback to an Asian team, similar to how they were eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after losing 2-0 to South Korea. Instability has taken over the team, and the match against Spain will be the best opportunity to recover it.

Kick-off: 3:30 PM IST, 11:00 AM CET, 10:00/05:00 GMT/EST

Spain form (all competition): W L W W W

Germany form (all competition): W L D W L

Injury and team news

Morata and Carvajal were sick prior to their win against Costa Rica, but both played, and Morata scored. Luis Enrique made five changes in their first encounter, so players have had plenty of rest ahead of this match, and there is no injury crisis for Spain.

Leroy Sane was the sole player who did not play against Japan because of a knee injury. And the player is training alone and is unsure about the contest.

Players to watch

Spain

Pedri

He is now Spain's fundamental engine, directing the ball and changing the flow of the game with his passes and ball control. Pedri's legs are like jelly stuck to the ball; he is so good on the ball that he never comes under pressure and maintains composed in tight areas. One of the top young midfielders in the football

Germany 

Jamal Musiala

Musiala struggled against Japan, but he is a highly talented player. He prefers to outwit defenders and complete tasks on his own. Although he was forced to play in an unfamiliar position and labored against Japan, Musiala is a threat from the center and will have to prove his tenacity against Spain.

Head-to-Head stats

Full head-to-head record: Spain vs Germany: Head-to-Head record

Matches: 25

Spain: 8

Germany: 9

Draws: 8

Predicted lineup

Spain predicted lineup (4-3-3)

 Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F Torres, Asensio, Olmo.

Germany Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

 Neuer; Kehrer, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Gundogan, Kimmich; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz.

Prediction

Spain will clearly have more ball control and possession. Germany will have less time on the ball due to Spain's intense pressing, and the 2014 World Cup winner will look to exploit openings behind Spain's adventurous approach. And the Germans will have to perform as if their life depended on it, but Germany does not appear assured, and Spain can exploit their distress.

Prediction: Spain 2-1 Germany