Verdict: Complete targets over 2.5

Finest odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Germany Beneath-21s and Slovenia Beneath-21s will kick off their 2025 European Championship marketing campaign on Thursday at Stadion pod Zoborom.

This marks the primary aggressive conflict between the 2 sides, who’re positioned in Group B alongside reigning champions England and the Czech Republic.

Germany

After showing in three consecutive European Championship finals between 2017 and 2021 — and lifting the trophy within the latter — Germany Beneath-21s endured a shock early exit within the 2023 version, failing to succeed in the knockouts for the primary time in 10 years.

Antonio Di Salvo’s workforce arrive in Slovakia with a degree to show, having didn’t win any of their final 5 group-stage matches on the Euros and with added motivation to face England and Czech Republic once more after defeats to each in 2023.

First up is a conflict with Slovenia, and Germany enter Thursday’s contest on a 15-match unbeaten run (W12 D3) in all competitions, which incorporates eight victories in 10 qualifying video games and up to date pleasant wins over Slovakia (1-0) and Spain (3-1).

With a number of gamers from the Bundesliga of their ranks and a formidable document in event openers – shedding only one, again in 2013 to the Netherlands — Germany shall be assured of taking three factors to start their Group B marketing campaign.

Crew Information

After incomes his senior debut for Germany within the UEFA Nations League earlier this month, Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade has returned to the Beneath-21s and is predicted to spearhead the assault. The 23-year-old loved a prolific 2024/25 Bundesliga season, scoring 12 targets in 28 video games, and in addition grabbed a hat-trick within the pleasant win over Spain three months in the past.

Supporting him within the ultimate third might be Ansgar Knauff (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brajan Gruda (Brighton), and Paul Nebel (Mainz), whereas captain Eric Martel is prone to companion Rocco Reitz within the coronary heart of midfield.

Slovenia

Whereas Germany put together for his or her eleventh European Championship marketing campaign, Slovenia are set for less than their second, having beforehand appeared as co-hosts with Hungary in 2021, the place they didn’t win any of their three group video games.

The 2025 version marks Slovenia’s first profitable qualification by a normal marketing campaign. They topped their group with 5 wins from eight video games, ending forward of France regardless of a heavy 4-0 defeat and a 1-1 draw of their two conferences with Les Bleus.

Appointed in February, head coach Andrej Razdrh continues to be chasing his first win, having overseen a 1-1 draw with Ukraine and a 1-0 loss to Finland in March friendlies.

Regardless of that, Slovenia have change into a resilient outfit, shedding simply three of their final 16 matches (W7 D6). They’ll want one other disciplined efficiency to trigger an upset towards Germany and declare their maiden victory on the finals.

Crew Information

Razdrh could decide to reflect Germany’s setup with a 4-2-3-1 formation, doubtlessly handing begins to uncapped centre-backs Relja Obric and Lovro Golic of Atalanta and Roma respectively, alongside Srdan Kuzmic in defence.

Slovenia’s prime scorer in qualifying Tio Cipot, who netted six occasions, is predicted to take up a job on the left wing, forming a part of an attacking quartet with Martin Pecar, Tjas Begic, and Jaka Cuber Potocnik.

Conclusion

It’s onerous to see Slovenia springing a shock towards a proficient Germany aspect, who head into the competition as clear favourites to safe all three factors. Whereas the Little Dragons would possibly handle to disrupt Die Nationalelf at occasions, Di Salvo’s males are anticipated to ultimately break by and outscore their opponents.

Verdict: Complete targets over 2.5

Finest odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster