Germany return home looking for their first victory under Jürgen Klopp when they face Greece at the WWK Arena on Sunday. The hosts were close to making a winning start in Amsterdam, while Greece arrive in Augsburg after an impressive comeback against Serbia.

Germany denied late in Amsterdam

Germany led for most of Klopp’s first match in charge after taking the lead against the Netherlands. They looked set to leave Amsterdam with all three points, but Cody Gakpo equalised in the 92nd minute to make it 1-1.

Despite the late disappointment, there were positive signs. Germany played with intensity, pressed high and created enough opportunities to win the match. They have also won their last five competitive home games, which makes the return to Germany important after three matches without a victory.

Klopp will be without Jamal Musiala, who suffered a thigh injury during the warm-up against the Netherlands. Kai Havertz has also returned to Arsenal after picking up an injury in Amsterdam. Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt have been added to the squad and could come into the starting lineup.

Even with those absences, Germany have plenty of attacking quality. Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade can give Greece problems with their movement and speed, while Joshua Kimmich should help the hosts control possession.

Greece produced a strong comeback in Serbia

Greece made the perfect start to their Nations League campaign by beating Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade.

They fell behind after only four minutes but responded well after the break. Christos Tzolis scored the equaliser before substitute Anastasios Douvikas completed the comeback late in the match. The result ended a five-game winless run for Ivan Jovanović’s team.

Greece have several dangerous attacking players. Tzolis is capable of creating chances from the left, while Douvikas and Vangelis Pavlidis provide different options through the middle.

However, Greece spent long periods defending against Serbia and could face even more pressure in Augsburg. Germany should control more of the ball and force the visitors to defend closer to their own goal.

Germany have dominated this fixture

Greece have never beaten Germany in ten previous meetings. Germany have won seven of those matches, with the other three ending in draws, and they have scored 23 goals across the ten games.

Germany have also won the last four meetings between the countries. Their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 friendly victory shortly before Euro 2024.

Greece showed against Serbia that they should not be underestimated, but facing Germany away is a much more difficult challenge. The hosts will want to make an impression in Klopp’s first home match, and the return of Wirtz gives them another player capable of opening a compact defence.

Verdict

Germany are missing Musiala and Havertz, but they should still have enough quality to control the match and create chances throughout the evening.

Greece may keep the game close for a while, but Germany’s attacking depth and strong home record can eventually make the difference. With the Asian handicap, a one-goal German victory returns the stake, while a win by two or more goals gives us a winning bet.

Tip

Germany -1 Asian Handicap