Georgia vs Spain prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-09-07 16:00.
Although Georgia have won only one of their three EURO 2024 qualifiers (ECQ) so far (W1, D1, L1), they remain in second place behind surprise group leaders Scotland. That position will come under serious threat as they welcome thee-time European champions Spain to Tbilisi, especially seeing as they’ve lost all four competitive H2Hs whilst conceding nine goals in the process!
One of those games, a 2-1 defeat, was actually Willy Sagnol’s first home game as the Georgian National Team manager. The Frenchman oversaw another two home defeats in succession after that game but has since galvanised his side to put together an impressive seven-game unbeaten run at home (W5, D2), a streak which includes five clean sheets and a 2-0 win over Sweden (FIFA rank #23).
Although Spain have already put the frustration of losing their first ECQ game since 2014 against Scotland (2-0) behind them by lifting the UEFA Nations League (UNL) trophy, getting back on the winning trail here is of vital importance. The Spaniards trail the leaders by nine points, albeit with two fewer games played, and whilst they’re guaranteed a play-off berth should they miss out on the top two due to winning the UNL, automatic qualification will be their goal.
Perhaps playing into Georgia’s hands will be the ongoing chaos within the Spanish football federation. The Spanish men’s team boss Luis de la Fuente said he is feeling “psychological stress” after coming under fire for applauding Luis Rubiales’ refusal to resign. In any case, matters on the pitch must take precedence here, especially as Spain are enduring their longest wait for an ECQ away win (D2, L1) since the 1990s!
Players to watch: Georgian Georges Mikautadze made his debut for Ajax last weekend and already has two goals and an assist at club level this season, adding to his two goals in three ECQ appearances during this cycle. Also look out for the 2023 U17 World Cup joint-top scorer Lamine Yamal (G4), although he might not feature from the outset. He is the youngest ever player to feature for Barcelona at 15, and now also the youngest to receive a senior Spain call-up at 16. He has been described as a player with “exceptional ability” by De la Fuente.
Hot streak: Spain have no clean sheets across their last five ECQ away games, their longest such streak since an eight-game run between 1983 and 1994!