Prediction: Georgia vs Luxembourg

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two camps who are desperate to extend on their EURO 24 qualifying adventure, Georgia will welcome Luxembourg to Tbilisi on Thursday evening.

Georgia

Starting with the hosts, while Georgia might have clinched a EURO 24 qualifying semi-final spot thanks to their Nations League success 18 months ago, Willy Sagnol’s men have struggled to find any real stability over recent times. Last seen on November 19th signing off their Group A adventure with a routine 3-1 loss at the hands of European heavyweights Spain, the Crusaders also claimed just a single victory from any of their final six qualifying appearances. Alongside mustering just a sole competitive clean sheet since way back in September 2022, Sagnol’s side have also shown some extended issues on home soil. In fact, the one-time Bayern Munich coach has seen his squad win just a pair of their last eight qualifying showdowns in Tbilisi. Although Georgia might be pencilled in as a standout contender on Thursday evening, they could face a stern challenge here.

Team News

Despite now being 38 years of age, vertan midfielder Jaba Kankava has returned to Georgia’s squad and the former Reims star looks set to earn his 101st international cap on Thursday evening. However, in what was a shock announcement last week, Shakhtar Donetsk full-back Irakli Azarovi has been omitted from the Crusaders’ squad.

In what will certainly be a huge blow to Georgia here, attacking talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be forced to watch from the sidelines in Tbilisi as the Napoli ace serves a suspension. Reportedly attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start between the sticks.

Luxembourg

As for the visitors, while Luxembourg might have faced a real uphill battle when opening their EURO 24 qualifying adventure last year, the Red Lions gained plenty of plaudits. Last seen signing off their Group J campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Liechtenstein, Luc Holtz’s men have lost just a pair of their previous eight appearances and the mood in their camp should be at a high ahead of Thursday’s trip to Tbilisi. With their recent turn in fortunes underlined by a famous 4-1 romp against Bosnia & Herzegovina during November’s international break, Luxembourg should also be excited by their eye-catching success on the road. It should be highlighted, Holtz’s side have lost just one of their last eight showdowns outside of Gasperich – a run that stems back to March 2022.

Team News

Shown a first-half red card away at Liechtenstein on November 19th, St. Pauli forward Danel Sinani will serve a suspension here and will not play any part on Thursday evening. Plying his trade with Belgian giants Royale Union, veteran goalkeeper Anthony Moris will start between the sticks and earn a 64th international cap in midweek.

Enjoying what was a stunning qualifying romp last year and bagging five goals in his seven Group J appearances, Slovan Bratislava striker Gerson Rodrigues will lead Luxembourg’s charge here. Bayern Munich youngster David Jonathans has been included in Holtz’s squad and could feature off the bench in Tbilisi.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Georgia and Luxembourg last met back in June 2018 for a friendly contest, the Red Lions picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• Georgia have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous eight qualifying appearances in Tbilisi.
• Luxembourg have lost just a pair of their previous eight competitive showdowns.
• However, the Red Lions have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last six outings.
• All of Georgia’s previous five appearances across all formats have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Although Georgia might open Thursday’s showdown in Tbilisi tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Luxembourg could prove to be a tricky test. Mustering just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight qualifying showdowns in front of their own supporters, Sagnol’s men will certainly have plenty of pressure on their shoulders in midweek. It should be noted, with Georgia seeing their last seven home fixtures produce 33 goals, we could be set for an enjoyable affair here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Olympusbet