UEFA Under-21 Championship Group A: Germany Can expect top spot
In what is set to be a thrilling finale to Group A in the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, tournament favourites and table toppers Germany will clash with hosts Czech Republic, while Denmark face Serbia, with all four sides still in contention to progress.
With teams progressing to the next stage based on head-to-head records if they finish level in the table, before the usual goal difference separation, plenty of drama can be expected on eastern European soil in the Group A conclusion.
Czech Republic v Germany
The Germans came into this coveted competition as favourites to triumph and, despite being held in their opener by Serbia, that hasn’t changed at 6/4 with Coral.
However, a stern test against the hosts will prove whether they have the capability of going all the way, with the hosts 4/1 to cause an upset, as they look for a win which would see them progress and possibly knock Germany out at the group stages, depending on the other fixture.
Although, Germany sit top of the table for a reason, having proved they possess plenty of quality within their ranks, and remain one of only two nations that are undefeated in the competition, as well as Group B leaders Portugal.
In-form forward Kevin Volland struck a delightful double which saw off the threat of closest group challengers Denmark in Germany’s previous encounter, and the Hoffenheim attacker is 4/1 to open proceedings this time out.
Liverpool’s Emre Can endured an indifferent maiden campaign in the Premier League last term, but he has impressively proved his potential in this tournament so far. The versatile German has been sublime in a midfield role for his nation, scoring the equaliser in their opening match-up, and is 16/5 to net again anytime.
For the hosts, key dangerman will be clinical striker Jan Kliment, who hit a superb hat-trick in a recent 4-0 triumph over Denmark and is 12/1 to slot home two or more in the crucial clash with Germany.
Denmark v Serbia
Second-placed Denmark (5/4 favourites) will contest rock-bottom outfit Serbia during the same time as the other fixture (both KO 7.45pm), meaning even more drama is set to unfold in this exciting Under-21 tournament.
Denmark will seek a victory which would, coupled with Czech Republic failing to beat Germany, possibly see them secure progression to the next round, and they are 15/4 to win with both teams getting in the scoresheet.
Talented Danish midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen was his nation’s most prolific marksman in the qualifying phase with five strikes in 10 outings, and he is 3/1 to finally grab his first goal of the championship against Serbia.
Meanwhile, the Serbs will be hoping for their first win of the tournament, with progression still a possibility, though a very unlikely one. They will need to be more clinical, after scoring just once so far, and former Southampton loanee Filip Djuricic is a potential match winner again. He is 7/1 strike last against Denmark.