Ukraine vs Georgia Prediction: 11/10/2024

In the previous Nations League, Ukraine came close to promotion to the elite but ultimately finished just behind Scotland. This year, things have started poorly for Sergey Rebrov’s side. Currently sitting at the bottom of their group, they lost both their matches last September against Albania (1-2) and the Czech Republic (3-2).

With a three-point gap to second place, a response is expected from Ukraine during this international window. Due to the ongoing crisis in their country, Ukraine has not been able to play at home. During Euro 2024, Ukraine performed well in a group featuring Romania, Belgium, and Slovakia, with all teams finishing with four points. However, Ukraine ended up in last place due to a weaker goal difference, thus missing out on a spot in the round of 16.

Georgia, on the other hand, is enjoying a great run, powered by one of the most promising generations in their history. Under the leadership of Willy Sagnol, Georgia won promotion to League B of the Nations League with ease. Last September, they took control of Group 1 with convincing wins over the Czech Republic (4-1) and Albania.

These results reflect their strong performance during Euro 2024, where Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his teammates made history by advancing from the group stage, finishing third behind Portugal and Turkey, and ahead of the Czech Republic. Georgia was eventually knocked out by Spain, the tournament’s future champions, in the round of 16 (1-4).

For Ukraine, several key players are missing. Goalkeeper Lunin (Real Madrid, 13 caps), full-backs Zinchenko (Arsenal, 9 goals in 68 caps) and Mykolenko (Everton, 44 caps), midfielders Pikhalyonok (Dynamo Kyiv, 10 caps) and Brazhko (Dynamo Kyiv, 8 caps), as well as wingers Tsygankov (Girona, 13 goals in 57 caps) and Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kyiv, 46 goals in 124 caps) are unavailable.

Goalkeeper Trubin (Benfica, 15 caps) is expected to start, and the central defense will likely feature Zabarnyi (Bournemouth, 41 caps) alongside Matviienko (Shakhtar Donetsk, 70 caps). Up front, Dovbyk (Roma, 10 goals in 31 caps) and Yaremchuk (Olympiakos, 16 goals in 55 caps) are in competition for a starting spot, with winger Mudryk (Chelsea, 2 goals in 24 appearances) also available.

For Georgia, defenders Azarovi (Shakhtar Donetsk, 18 years) and Tabidze (Makhachkala, 15 years) are absent from this round. Key players such as forwards Kvaratskhelia (Napoli, 17 goals in 36 caps) and Mikautadze (Lyon, 14 goals in 31 caps) are crucial to the team’s attack, with both scoring against the Czech Republic in September.

Winger Davitashvili (Saint-Etienne, 6 goals in 41 caps) is usually a substitute for the national team, despite his strong performance with his club. Goalkeeper Mamardashvili (Valencia, 23 caps) is expected to start, as are midfielders Kochorashvili (Levante, 14 caps) and Chakvetadze (Watford, 9 goals in 31 caps).

 

Prediction

Remarkably, 18 of Ukraine’s last 22 home games in the top-flight have featured at least four goals, with Georgia outscoring their opponents 84 to 22 in these matches. Although Georgia may not match these numbers, it’s worth mentioning that seven of their last 17 away games have also seen a similar goal tally.

Prediction: Ukraine 1 : 1 Georgia