United States v Germany Prediction: 7/4 Musiala to play his part

World Cup co-hosts the United States face one of their toughest pre-tournament examinations on Saturday evening when they welcome Germany to Soldier Field in Chicago.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have one final opportunity to build momentum before opening their World Cup campaign against Paraguay, while Germany arrive in excellent form after extending their winning streak to eight matches with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Finland.

The Americans responded to defeats against Belgium and Portugal by beating Senegal 3-2 last weekend, but defensive concerns remain after conceding 10 goals across their last three matches.

Germany, meanwhile, have scored 26 goals during their eight-game winning run and look increasingly like one of the most dangerous sides heading into the tournament.

United States v Germany Tips Summary

Best Bet - Germany to win and both teams to score @ 15/8
Alternative Bet - Jamal Musiala 2+ shots on target @ 7/4
Bet Builder - Folarin Balogun 1+ shots on target, over 10 corners & Germany -1 handicap @ 9/1

United States v Germany Prediction

Best Bet: Germany to win and both teams to score @ 15/8

Germany head to Chicago on the back of eight consecutive victories and have scored 26 goals during that run, underlining why Julian Nagelsmann's side are viewed as contenders heading into the World Cup.

Die Mannschaft looked sharp in last weekend's 4-0 victory over Finland, with Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Deniz Undav all causing problems in the final third.

However, Germany are not entirely watertight at the back. Switzerland scored three goals against them in March and Ghana also found a breakthrough during a recent friendly.

That should encourage a USA side that scored three times against Senegal and boasts attacking threats such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi.

The Stars and Stripes are capable of getting on the scoresheet, but Germany's superior quality should ultimately prove decisive.

Alternative Bet: Jamal Musiala 2+ shots on target @ 7/4

Musiala increasingly looks like the player Germany turn to when they need inspiration, and he should have plenty of opportunities to influence proceedings against the USA.

The Bayern Munich star scored against Finland last weekend and registered two shots on target during another impressive display.

While he shares attacking responsibilities with elite forwards at club level, international football places greater emphasis on Musiala's creativity and goalscoring ability.

Joint-top scorer at Euro 2024, Musiala consistently looks to drive at defenders, shoot from central areas and take responsibility in the final third.

Germany's attacking style under Nagelsmann also creates plenty of opportunities for their attacking midfielders to get into dangerous positions.

USA have conceded 10 goals across their last three matches and allowed Belgium, Portugal and Senegal to create chances regularly. If Musiala starts as expected, two shots on target looks well within reach.

United States v Germany Bet Builder Tip

• Folarin Balogun 1+ shots on target

• Over 10 corners

• Germany -1 handicap

  Pays 9/1

Balogun remains the focal point of the USA attack and should be heavily involved whenever the hosts get forward.

The Monaco striker heads into the summer in excellent form after scoring 18 goals across Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League action this season, while he has also netted nine times in 26 appearances for his country, including four goals in his last eight internationals.

Given his importance to the USA’s attack, one effort on target looks very achievable.

The corner leg is equally appealing. USA's last five matches have produced totals of 11, 10, 12, 12 and 13 corners, while Germany's last five have generated 13, 13, 10, 11 and eight.

Both teams attack with width and commit numbers forward, making another double-figure total likely.

Seven of Germany’s last eight wins have come by at least two goals and another convincing victory would see Die Mannschaft comfortably cover the handicap.

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Key Match Stats

• Germany have won their last eight international matches.

• Die Mannschaft have scored 26 goals during that eight-game winning run.

• USA have conceded 10 goals across their last three matches.

• The last meeting between the nations ended in a 3-1 Germany victory.

• USA's last five matches have averaged 11.6 total corners per game.

• Germany's last five matches have averaged 11 total corners per game.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.