Germany welcome Spain to the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf for Friday night’s international friendly.
Joachim Low’s side are widely fancied to defend their crown at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and their upcoming game against La Roja should give a fair reflection of their capabilities.
Spain weren’t as impressive in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, surprisingly exiting in the group stages. They were eliminated in the last 16 of Euro 2016 too.
This has pushed the need for a midfield transition, with Cesc Fabregas and Juan Mata axed from the squad.
Players to watch for:
Germany’s Mesut Ozil (Arsenal):
The Arsenal playmaker delivers sparkling performances for Germany, where he is surrounded by the likes of Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane, who benefit from Ozil’s outstanding range of passing.
The 29-year-old can struggle against physical teams, but against La Roja he should get more time with the ball.
The former Real Madrid star has his critics at club level but his importance to Germany has never been doubted.
Spain’s Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid):
Costa’s chances of making the World Cup were at risk earlier in the season, where he was on indefinite strike at Chelsea.
Since then, the Brazilian-born Spanish international return to Atletico Madrid and has impressed each week alongside Antoine Griezmann.
The 29-year-old has only scored once in his last five appearances for Atleti, but his brilliant link-up play and physicality in the box makes him a key player for club and country.
Costa has been picked ahead of Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata in the Spain squad and he deserves such faith by manager Julen Lopetegui, as Morata has scored just two goals in his 13 league games.
Football Weeks‘ Prediction:
International friendlies aren’t easy to predict but the World champions should have the advantage at home.
Football Weeks is backing Ozil to make an assist for Germany and Costa to score on his Spain comeback.
Prediction: Germany 2-1 Spain