Chile's a really strong squad though. Haven't lost in something like 10 games iirc since Serbia beat them 3-1 or something.
The stiffs, pretty much. Obvz injuries haven't been kind; Khedira, Klose, Schweinstiger, Gundogan and Podolski all out, but Neuer, Lahm, Muller & Ozil all apparently being "rested" too. Punnists will be delighted to know that one of the Bender bros is expected to start. If only Lars could join him and we could have endless fun with "a pair of Benders in the middle".
Only a front four of Reus, Kroos, Draxler and Gotze then. That depth, fucking hell. I just want one of the Benders to celebrate a goal by flashing a t-shirt with "Bite my shiny metal ass" on it.
Aparantly starting Weidenfeller Having a starting champions league finalist as like a 3rd choice reserve ;_______;
Neuer, Lahm, Khedira, Götze, Özil all sent back to their clubs I think (no surprise that 3 of Bayern's best go back early *cough*) Squad: Adler Weidenfeller Boateng Höwedes Hummels Jansen Mertesacker Schmelzer Westermann L.Bender S.Bender Draxler Kroos Müller Reus Sam Schürrle Kruse If I was to guess a German line up tonight. Not sure how much rotation there will be, Löw said he wanted to get a look at some other players in his squad so... GK: Weidenfeller (confirmed starter) RB: Höwedes CB: Hummels CB: Boateng LB: Jansen/Schmelzer DM: L.Bender RM: Sam CM: Kroos CM: S.Bender LM: Draxler False Nine: Kruse Maybe Reus instead of Draxler or Kruse, depends if they want to try him in the false nine or not. Kruse should start IMO as he's been great so far this season.
Tohught Howedes and Boatang would be swapped in your lineup Hows Boatang been doing deputising for Badstuber
Boateng's a CB option for Germany now, played something like 12 of his last 15 games at CB IIRC. Höwedes rarely plays CB for Germany, think maybe 2 in the last 4 years, but not 100% sure. He's essentially the back up RB now, could be a starter if Lahm playing in midfield becomes a long term thing. Have to admit, Boateng has come a long way in the last year or so and is Germany's best CB at the moment. It's at the point where given Hummels pretty average form for basically the last season and a half, I'd start Boateng-Badstuber at the World Cup (assuming Badstuber gets to his usual level after his knee problems). Weidenfeller probably only starting as the other GK's in contention have had a average last month or so. Though ter Stegen has started to play better, the Barca rumours aren't really helping him though. Leno deserves it ahead of Weidenfeller, outside of his game away to Man Utd, guy has been an absolute rock for Leverkusen. Though I guess he might be needed for the U21's Hell, even Trapp has been very impressive for Frankfurt. Probably the best German GK this season.
The German depth is crazy good. It's a shame we're not facing a full strength, although it will still be a great test it would be nice to see how this XI shapes up compared with the routing of 4 years ago