Germany begins their preparations for the upcoming European Championships with a friendly match at home against Ukraine. As the hosts of the summer tournament, Germany faces significant pressure to perform well. With the domestic season concluded, all attention is now focused on the Euros. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has initially named a 27-man squad, utilizing these friendlies to assess his players before finalizing the squad to 26. Notably, only two Premier League players, Pascal Gross and Kai Havertz, have been called up, with Havertz expected to play a pivotal role following his impressive season with Arsenal.

Similarly, Ukraine sees this match as a crucial test ahead of the tournament. They secured qualification via playoffs with wins against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland. Key players for Ukraine include Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal.

Both teams are currently enjoying two-game winning streaks. While Germany has been exclusively playing friendlies due to their status as Euro hosts, Ukraine has been successful in scoring goals, netting 10 in their last six matches. However, defensively, Germany has struggled, managing just one clean sheet in their last 12 games dating back to March of last year. In contrast, Ukraine has kept two clean sheets in this period.

In their nine previous encounters, Germany has dominated, winning five and drawing four against Ukraine. Their last meeting in June 2023 ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. However, for this game, Germany will be without the services of Toni Kroos and Antonio Rudiger due to their involvement in the Champions League final, while Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Niclas Fullkrug will also be absent. On the other hand, Premier League players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk are expected to play significant roles for Ukraine.

In their recent five games, Germany has won two, lost two, and drawn one. These friendlies have been crucial for Germany, given their automatic qualification as Euro hosts. Meanwhile, Ukraine has won four and drawn one in their last five matches, displaying impressive form as they secured their place in the Euros.

Germany has experienced inconsistent form recently, but we anticipate them securing a third consecutive victory as they intensify their preparations for the Euros. Although Ukraine will offer a formidable challenge, we believe the hosts will emerge victorious.

Matchoutlook Prediction : Home Win (2-1)