Georgia vs Luxembourg Prediction: Georgians can keep Euros dream alive

Neither Georgia nor Luxembourg have featured in a major tournament before, but they are just two games away from making history as they prepare to lock horns in Tbilisi on Thursday (KO, 17:00).

A clash with either Greece or Kazakhstan awaits the winner for a place in this summer’s Euros in Germany. Below is our Georgia vs Luxembourg prediction for this play-off semi-final tie at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena.

Team News

Georgia will have to get through to their final play-off without their star player as Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is suspended after receiving three yellow cards during the group stage.

The home side have no other injury concerns, while Luxembourg will be weakened by Danel Sinani’s absence after he was sent off in their 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in November.

Match Odds

Georgia are 4/5 to win Thursday’s game without the need for extra time or a penalty shoot-out while Luxembourg can be backed at 4/1, with the draw 12/5.

A tight game is anticipated with under 2.5 goals just 8/15, while 11/8 is available for there to be more than two successful strikes in the Tbilisi clash.

Georgia striker Budu Zivzivadze is favourite at 11/2 to score the game’s first goal, while Gerson Rodrigues is the shortest-priced Luxembourg player in that market at 8/1.

Georgia to win & under 2.5 goals @ 11/5

Home advantage in this play-off clash will put the pressure on Georgia, but they should have enough to get through to the next stage even if their group performances were not great.

Their only two wins came against Cyprus, who failed to secure a point in eight matches, but a strong Nations League campaign has given them this opportunity and they should take full advantage as they have lost just one of their last 11 home matches.

Luxembourg suffered 9-0 and 6-0 defeats to Portugal in qualifying and still gained 17 points, but this still looks a tricky assignment with their hosts so strong at home.

It is difficult to see Georgia storming away to victory with their best player Kvaratskhelia suspended and it could be an anxious evening but expect them to come through in a tight game that features fewer than three goals.

Otar Kiteishvili to score anytime @ 11/4

Kvaratskhelia’s absence means other Georgia players will have to step up to the plate and one worth keeping an eye on is Sturm Graz attacking midfielder Otar Kiteishvili, who scored in his last international appearance against Cyprus.

He has had 32 shots in 15 league games for his club side this term and recorded at least two efforts in each of his last five games, including both legs of their recent Europa Conference League defeat to Lille, so he is not afraid to have a pop at goal and he could make a telling contribution.

Check out the rest of our Football Betting Tips here.