The tight standings in Group 1 of League B suggest that the clash between Georgia and Albania will be fiercely contested across the pitch. The group leaders will approach the game from a position of strength, while Albania need to redeem themselves in front of their fans after the slip-up against the Czech Republic (2:0).
On Friday against Ukraine (1:0), Georgia failed to find a response to Mykhaylo Mudryk's goal before the break. Over the 90 minutes in Poznan, the most threatening moment was created by Zuriko Davitashvili in the dying moments, but his goal was ruled out for offside, and the team produced only 0.68 xG. It seems opponents have found a way to play against Georgia: restricting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze from getting space is key to stopping their approach towards the goal.
Albania's attacking play has essentially stalled in this Nations League campaign. Following a 2:1 victory over Ukraine, they have failed to score in two matches against Georgia (1:0) and the Czech Republic (2:0). On Friday, they managed just 0.28 xG with two shots on target in 90 minutes, despite having players from Europe's top five leagues in their lineup. As Albania face the group leaders away, they are set to adopt a defensive approach.
In the September encounter, Georgia beat Albania in Tirana through a single chance taken by Giorgi Kochorashvili. A month later, both teams are likely to struggle to produce a combined xG of even 1.00, which is why we're backing a total under 2.5.
|
Willy Sagnol
|
coach | ||
| Player | Matches | Goals | |
|
In squad
|
|||
Giorgi Loria
|
gk. | 78 | -85 |
Giorgi Mamardashvili
|
gk. | 24 | -37 |
Luka Gugeshashvili
|
gk. | 1 | 0 |
Guram Kashia
|
df. | 120 | 3 |
Solomon Kvirkvelia
|
df. | 61 | 0 |
Lasha Dvali
|
df. | 39 | 1 |
Luka Lochoshvili
|
df. | 17 | 1 |
Giorgi Gocholeishvili
|
df. | 9 | 0 |
George Gvelesiani
|
df. | 7 | 0 |
Saba Goglichidze
|
df. | 1 | 0 |
Otar Kakabadze
|
mf. | 68 | 0 |
Otar Kiteishvili
|
mf. | 42 | 3 |
Giorgi Chakvetadze
|
mf. | 32 | 9 |
Giorgi Kochorashvili
|
mf. | 15 | 2 |
Sandro Altunashvili
|
mf. | 8 | 0 |
Shota Nonikashvili
|
mf. | 1 | 0 |
Zurab Davitashvili
|
fw. | 42 | 6 |
Khvicha Kvarackhelija
|
fw. | 37 | 17 |
Georges Mikautadze
|
fw. | 32 | 14 |
Budu Zivzivadze
|
fw. | 31 | 8 |
Heorhiy Tsitaishvili
|
fw. | 21 | 1 |
Levan Shengelia
|
fw. | 18 | 1 |
Giorgi Guliashvili
|
fw. | 0 | 0 |
|
Sylvinho
|
coach | ||
| Player | Matches | Goals | |
|
In squad
|
|||
Thomas Strakosha
|
gk. | 34 | -42 |
Alen Sherri
|
gk. | 1 | 0 |
Elhan Kastrati
|
gk. | 1 | 0 |
Elseid Hysaj
|
df. | 88 | 2 |
|
Ardian Ismajli
|
df. | 41 | 3 |
Arlind Ajeti
|
df. | 28 | 1 |
Marash Kumbulla
|
df. | 22 | 0 |
Enea Mihaj
|
df. | 19 | 0 |
Mario Mitaj
|
df. | 19 | 0 |
Iván Balliu
|
df. | 14 | 0 |
Andi Hadroj
|
df. | 3 | 0 |
Amir Abrashi
|
mf. | 50 | 1 |
Ylber Ramadani
|
mf. | 41 | 1 |
Qazim Laçi
|
mf. | 33 | 4 |
Nedim Bajrami
|
mf. | 29 | 5 |
Kristjan Asllani
|
mf. | 26 | 2 |
Adrion Pajaziti
|
mf. | 0 | 0 |
Feta Fetai
|
mf. | 0 | 0 |
|
Taulant Seferi
|
fw. | 23 | 3 |
Jasir Asani
|
fw. | 19 | 5 |
Ernest Muçi
|
fw. | 13 | 3 |
Arber Hoxha
|
fw. | 10 | 0 |
Mirlind Daku
|
fw. | 7 | 1 |
|
Indrit Tuci
|
fw. | 1 | 0 |
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