Betting Tip
Their first match (3:2) showed that FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi’s players are far more combination-based in their play - they were not afraid to attack even away from home. With the backing of their passionate home fans, an even hotter contest should be expected.
Last year, FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi gained invaluable experience in UEFA Champions League qualifying. Back then they were drawn against a side far more experienced in such matters, Malmo FF, so there was virtually no realistic hope of getting past the Swedes (6:2 on aggregate). Last week, the Tbilisi team scored more than they managed then. They took advantage of FC Flora Tallinn’s weak defending. Both of the first goals came down the right flank of the Red Eagles’ attack, while the decisive one came from a corner: Bakar Kardava managed to head in at the near post.
Overall, FC Flora Tallinn were fortunate to escape with only a narrow defeat. As early as the 63rd minute, the team were reduced to ten men: Airon Kollo was shown a red card for a last-man foul. But can an 18-year-old lad who has only just come out of a sports academy play fully and tactically correctly? And it is not only about him: more than half of the starting line-up are no older than 23 - essentially, this is a youth team. Only in attack were experienced players used: 30-year-old captain Rauno Sappinen and 37-year-old Sergei Zenjov. The Tallinn side scored both goals with shots from medium range.
FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi, unlike FC Flora Tallinn, have enough foreign players in their squad, which gives the team added international experience. And these are not 18-year-old boys. The hosts will play to protect their advantage, but will still attack as they did in Tallinn, using long passes and quick transitions. The Georgian team will win again.