Georgia had a lot of problems in their road games recently, plus they recently sacked national coach Willy Sagnol. I am predicting Hungary to claim the spoils despite missing a couple of important players.
Key Stats
- Hungary have won 3 of their last 5 home matches.
- Georgia have lost 3 of their last 4 away matches.
Two Meetings so Far
These two sides locked horns in the WC Qualifiers in 2001. Hungary won at home 4-1, while Georgia returned the favor with a 4-1 victory in Tbilisi.
Hosts are in a Must-Win Situation
Hungary had 2.03-1.29 expected goals, 57% possession and 17-10 shots last Friday against Ukraine at home in their UNL opening match yet lost the encounter 1-0. Defender Bendeguz Bolla missed a big chance to level the score.
Marco Rossi's side haven't shown much in the follow up clash against Northern Ireland in Belfast which ended in a goalless draw.
They had 64% possession but failed to make much out of it, ending the match with just one shot on target and 0.94-0.91 expected goals.
Georgia Under New Leadership
Like their upcoming opponents, Georgia also had high expectations ahead of the new UNL campaign but secured just one point in first two games.
After suffering an unexpected 1-0 home loss against Northern Ireland last Friday, Georgian FA decided to sack national coach Willy Sagnol, while Ramaz Svanadze was appointed to replace the Frenchman.
Svanadze’s debut was on Monday where Georgia hosted Ukraine. They were more dangerous side, posting 0.96-0.20 xG and had 14-7 shots yet had to settle for a goalless draw.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Hungary (4-2-3-1) Balazs Toth; Bendeguz Bolla, Willi Orban, Mark Csinger, Milos Kerkez; Andras Schafer, Aron Csongvai; Gabor Jurek, Alex Toth, Dominik Szoboszlai; Daniel Lukacs
Hungary have to deal with several squad fitness concerns, as key attackers Roland Sallai, Barnabas Varga, and Callum Styles remain sidelined with physical injuries, while defender Bendeguz Bolla stays doubtful due to an ankle problem.
Hungary have to deal with several squad fitness concerns, as key attackers Roland Sallai, Barnabas Varga, and Callum Styles remain sidelined with physical injuries, while defender Bendeguz Bolla stays doubtful due to an ankle problem.
Georgia (5-3-2) Giorgi Mamardashvili; Otar Kakabadze, Saba Goglichidze, Lasha Dvali, Luka Lochoshvili, Georgiy Tsitaishvili; Giorgi Kochorashvili, Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Chakvetadze; Georges Mikautadze, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash. Both Kvicha Kvaratshkelia and Georges Mikautadze have scored 23 goals each for the national team, while Otar Kakabadze has the most appearances on this roster (80).
Georgia have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash. Both Kvicha Kvaratshkelia and Georges Mikautadze have scored 23 goals each for the national team, while Otar Kakabadze has the most appearances on this roster (80).