Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
Knowing that they can officially punch their EURO 24 ticket on Thursday night, Scotland will travel to Tbilisi when they meet Georgia.
Georgia
Starting with the hosts, although Georgia might have been last seen on October 15th breezing their way to a routine 4-0 romp at home against Cyprus, Willy Sagnol’s side have continued to struggle with their consistency. Despite drawing a line under their three-match losing rut, the Crusaders should be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. With their Group A issues underlined by a 7-1 drumming at the hands of former world champions Spain back on September 8th, Georgia should at least take some solace from their continued success on home soil. In fact, on what has quickly become a remarkable hometown romp, Sagnol’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 straight appearances in Tbilisi a run that stems all the way back to October 2021.
Team News
Notching three Serie A strikes with Italian giants Napoli this season and continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across Europe, attacking talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will earn a 27th international cap on Thursday night. The 22-year-old should be joined in the final third by Karlsruher striker Budu Zivzivadze.
Setting his sights on securing a European return with Spanish outfit Valencia this year, 23-year-old goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will once again start between the sticks in Tbilisi.
Scotland
As for the visitors, while Scotland might travel to Georgia on Thursday night in the midst of a three-match losing run across all competitions, Steven Clarke’s side are enjoying a famous qualifying romp. Knowing that they need just a single point to officially punch their ticket to Germany, the Tartan Army certainly find the mod in their camp at a red-hot high. Collecting 15 points from their six Group A appearances this year, the former Kilmarnock boss will also be excited by his most recent meeting against the Crusaders. Landing a routine 2-0 win when they welcomed Georgia to Glasgow back on June 20th, Scotland have also gained a reputation for their rugged approach on foreign soil. It is worth highlighting, Clarke’s side have lost just one of their previous five competitive showdowns outside on Glasgow.
Team News
Picking up a recent knock while with Championship outfit Southampton, Che Adams has been forced to withdraw from Scotland’s squad for this month. Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has been called up to Clarke’s squad as cover.
Picking up a long-term shoulder injury last month and not expected to feature again until the New Year, the Tartan Army will travel to Tbilisi without influential skipper Andy Robertson. Already notching six EURO 24 qualifying strikes this season, Manchester United ace Scott McTominay will have a leading role to play here.
Key Factors to Consider
