The new qualifying format for Euro 2016 will give Scotland and Georgia a rare hope that they can reach a final tournament, especially Scotland. This match is crucial in that perspective after both sides lost in the opening round.
Strangely, even though Celtic has the worst team in decades and Rangers is in the lower football leagues, Scotland seems to have the best squad in a very long time, an opinion validated by skipper Scott Brown who declared himself very excited about this campaign. The hosts have a good number of players in the Premier League and looked really good lately – Scotland played a great match in the first round despite losing 2-1 to Germany, their first defeat in 7 games.
Georgia is in a rebuilding mode right now, with coach Ketsbaia calling up a very young squad for this match, leaving out a couple of more experienced and arguably more deserving players. The visitors lost 1-2 at home to the Republic of Ireland earlier in the campaign and if they lose this qualification will obviously be compromised, leaving Georgia in a position to keep rebuilding without pressure. Georgia lost 10 out of the last 15 matches they played.
Team news & lineups
Gordon Strachan will be happy to have a clean bill of health ahead of this game aside form old injuries like Snodgrass – keeper McGregor being the only notable absentee. Captain Brown and Robertson are coming back after injuries.
Scotland: Marshall – Hutton, R Martin, Hanley, Robertson – Mulgrew, Morrison, Brown, Bannan – S Fletcher, Naismith
Georgia: Loria – Lobjanidze, S Kverkvelia, A Khubutia, Kvirkvelia – Kashia – Kankava, Daushvili, Ananidze, Okriashvili – Gelashvili
Looking at Scotland`s lineup it really looks pretty good, especially up front. Comparing the form of these two sides and taking the home court advantage into account, you have to feel Scotland should have this game under control. The hosts have played very good football lately, they are in obvious progress and there`s real excitement surrounding the National team, so I will tip them to take care of business against these young, shaky Georgia team. I would have liked slightly better odds, but I`m content in taking this 1.70 at Bwin before it drops even more. Anything over 1.60 is playable as far as I`m concerned. Pick Scotland to make some noise in these Euro 2016 qualies. Prediction: Scotland – Georgia 3-1.
Pick: Scotland
Odds: 1.70
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