Ilkay Gundogan deserves chance to help spark Germany into life and more tactics v Sweden

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  • In line for a start? Gundogan.

    Germany‘s World Cup hopes are firmly in the balance before Saturday’s must-win clash against Sweden (22:00).

    Following their opening 1-0 defeat to Mexico in Group F last Sunday, defending champions Die Mannschaft have it all to do at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.

    Here, we look at the key tactical talking points ahead of the match.

    Gundogan could prove to be Germany’s trump card

    Joachim Low is expected to make a change in the midfield department.

    Sami Khedira will likely be the main casualty after a lacklustre display against Mexico, with Toni Kroos’ greater powers of proficiency and technicality on the ball exempts him from getting cut.

    Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan would be a worthy beneficiary of that call, with the 27-year-old likely to bring more zip and pace to a midfield that was lacking in invention and profligacy moving the ball forward.

    Gundogan enjoyed a season of rejuvenation at the Etihad Stadium, his first relatively injury-free campaign after a serious knee ligament injury, and arrives into this tournament with a spring in his step and no scars having not playing in the Mexico loss.

    He has a modest record at international level, though injuries have restricted his progress. Four years ago, Gundogan didn’t feature in World Cup glory so will feel he has some making up to do.

    In the spotlight: Gundogan.

    Forsberg could prove to be a factor

    The heir to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s throne, Emil Forsberg, struggled to stand out against Korea.

    The RB Leipzig winger, 26, who is being tracked by Arsenal and Manchester United among others, is one man who has the quality at his feet – something, as a whole, this Sweden team don’t possess.

    In the opener, he struggled to get into the game on the left-hand side and managed just one dribble. All of his four efforts on goal were off target, too.

    He will certainly be hoping to improve on these statistics and raise his game against the Germans, although his pass completion (89.7 per cent) was higher than any one of his team-mates and highlighted his class and composure.

    It does indeed speak volumes of the way Sweden look to get the ball to him at every opportunity and his link-up with left-back Ludwig Augustinsson will be crucial.

    Germany’s right full-back Joshua Kimmich was ruthlessly exposed by the Mexicans and Forsberg can be the man to repeat the trick with skillful runs down the channel.

    Sweden's midfielder Emil Forsberg (L) vies for the ball with South Korea's defender Lee Yong during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Sweden and South Korea at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on June 18, 2018. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Emil Forsberg has the ability to cause Germany problems.

    Germany need a fast start

    When you need a result, making your way fast out of the starting blocks can make a difference.

    Against Mexico, they dominated the possession stakes (retaining 66 per cent of the ball) but were too slow in the implementation of their forward ideas.

    Too often, that possession was among the back four and Kroos and Khedira laboured on the ball, and when they lost it, were well and truly hit on the counter-attack by Mexico.

    If they are to turn the tables and press Sweden with direct running and powerful forward play, then Julian Draxler could be key to their hopes.

    The Paris Saint-Germain winger had the most dribbles (five) in their opener and was a promising outlet. Germany will need to make sure he isn’t wasted.

    SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Joachim Loew, head coach of Germany at a morning run on Adler Beach Boulevard at the team Hotel Radisson Blu Paradise Resort & Spa a on June 22, 2018 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

    Spring in his step: Germany boss Joachim Loew in Sochi.

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