Northern Ireland and Germany go head-to-head in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Monday.Both sides are locked in a tight three-way battle for top spot in Group A alongside Slovakia, making this encounter at Windsor Park absolutely vital for qualification hopes.Northern Ireland vs Germany – Match Preview and Team NewsDate: 13th October, Monday.Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.Venue: Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast.Northern Ireland Team NewsNorthern Ireland will be forced into at least one change after Conor Bradley was booked against Slovakia, ruling him out through suspension. The Liverpool right-back was described as “the best player on the pitch by a mile” in Friday’s 2-0 victory but will miss this crucial encounter. Oxford United’s Brodie Spencer is expected to replace Bradley at right-back.Bailey Peacock-Farrell will continue in goal with first-choice keeper Pierce Charles still sidelined by a shoulder problem. Ciaron Brown remains unavailable due to injury. Michael O’Neill is likely to stick with the same formation that served them well against Slovakia, with the experienced back three of Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, and Paddy McNair expected to continue.The Green and White Army will be buoyed by their impressive home record, remaining unbeaten in their last seven international matches at Windsor Park. They have previously frustrated strong opponents like Switzerland and Denmark on home soil during this run. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Germany Team NewsGermany will be without several key players for their trip to Belfast. Kai Havertz (knee), Jamal Musiala (ankle), Antonio Rudiger (hamstring) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) are all ruled out through injury. Niclas Fullkrug’s calf problem also leaves the door open for Nick Woltemade to lead the line.The Newcastle United striker has impressed since his move from Stuttgart and is expected to start after recovering from a recent illness. Woltemade has hit top form for his club in recent weeks and Julian Nagelsmann is likely to give him the nod ahead of other attacking options.Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck remains a doubt after being substituted at half-time in Friday’s 4-0 win over Luxembourg due to fitness concerns. Jamie Leweling is also unavailable through injury.FormNorthern IrelandMichael O’Neill’s side have found their rhythm at the perfect time. Following their opening 3-1 victory over Luxembourg, they lost against Germany, but started this international window with Friday’s impressive 2-0 triumph against Slovakia in their World Cup Qualifier. The win against Slovakia was particularly significant as it ended the visitors’ perfect record and moved Northern Ireland level on points with Germany at the top of Group A.Their recent form has been built on defensive solidity and clinical finishing, with Trai Hume’s first international goal proving decisive against Slovakia. The team’s pressing game and set-piece threat have been key weapons in their qualification campaign. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});GermanyAfter a shocking 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening qualifier – their first-ever away loss in World Cup qualifying – Germany have bounced back with comfortable victories. The 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Cologne was followed by Friday’s dominant 4-0 success against Luxembourg, where captain Joshua Kimmich scored twice.However, Julian Nagelsmann’s side has struggled for consistency, managing just one win in their previous four internationals before this recent upturn. The pressure remains on the German coach to deliver convincing performances and secure automatic qualification.Predicted LineupsNorthern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Toal; Spencer, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price; Reid,Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Anton, Tah, Raum; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Adeyemi, Gnabry, Wirtz; Woltemade. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});How to Watch Northern Ireland vs Germany?UK fans can watch the game live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.Read Also – Germany manager backs Wirtz to succeed at LiverpoolSee More – Ex-Arsenal forward rolls back years with four-goal haulSubscribe to our social channels:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTubeThe post Northern Ireland vs Germany – Match preview and team news first appeared on The Football Faithful.