Georgia vs Albania Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Lineups

Georgia vs Albania Preview, Prediction, Team News, and Lineups | UEFA Nations League, October 14, 2024.

The UEFA Nations League continues with an exciting fixture between Georgia and Albania on Monday, October 14, 2024. Both teams will be aiming to secure a crucial victory in League B Group 1, as they battle for qualification to the next round. The match will take place at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Georgia at 4 PM GMT.

This encounter comes with significant stakes, as both teams have performed well so far in the competition. Georgia tops the group with six points after winning their first two matches, while Albania sits in second place, just three points behind. The upcoming game could define both teams’ journeys in the Nations League, as they look to move closer to qualification.

Georgia vs Albania Preview: What to Expect

This fixture promises to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams in good form. Georgia is riding high after a solid start to their campaign, which included a 4-1 thrashing of Czechia and a hard-fought 1-0 win against Albania in their previous encounter. Albania, on the other hand, has shown resilience but will be looking to bounce back after their narrow defeat to Georgia in the reverse fixture.

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Both sides will be eager to collect maximum points, especially considering their next fixtures. Georgia will be buoyed by home support, while Albania will be keen to make up for lost ground after facing Czechia just three days earlier.

Team News and Lineups

Georgia National Football Team News

Georgia has been in excellent form and will look to maintain their momentum. They have no major injury concerns heading into the match against Albania, but potential suspensions or knocks from their previous game against Ukraine (played on October 11) could impact their final squad selection.

Key Players to Watch for Georgia:

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: One of the brightest talents in world football, Kvaratskhelia is Georgia’s main attacking threat. His dribbling, pace, and ability to score make him a game-changer for Georgia.
• Georges Mikautadze: Another vital player in Georgia’s lineup, Mikautadze is known for his finishing ability and link-up play with Kvaratskhelia.

Albania National Football Team News

Albania will be without their experienced center-back Berat Djimsiti, who is recovering from a thigh injury. The team’s performance will heavily depend on how they cope with this defensive setback. Additional changes could be made depending on their outcome against Czechia on October 11.

Key Players to Watch for Albania:

• Arber Hoxha: Hoxha has yet to make a significant impact for Albania, but his club form for Dinamo Zagreb suggests he has the potential to influence games. His versatility in attack makes him a valuable asset.
• Ylber Ramadani: A key figure in Albania’s midfield, Ramadani’s ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks will be crucial against Georgia.

Predicted Lineups

Georgia (3-5-2):

• Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
• Defenders: Lasha Dvali, Guram Kashia, Giorgi Gvelesiani
• Midfielders: Luka Lochoshvili, Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Chakvetadze, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Otar Kakabadze
• Attackers: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georges Mikautadze

Albania (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha
• Defenders: Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Marash Kumbulla, Mario Mitaj
• Midfielders: Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami
• Attackers: Jasir Asani, Rey Manaj, Arber Hoxha

Georgia vs Albania Head-to-Head Record

In the last five encounters between the two teams, Georgia has held the upper hand:

1. Albania 0-1 Georgia – UEFA Nations League, September 2024
2. Albania 0-0 Georgia – Friendly, March 2022
3. Albania 2-2 Georgia – Friendly, November 2016
4. Albania 1-2 Georgia – Friendly, February 2013

Georgia has won two of the last four matches, with the other two ending in a draw. Albania has struggled to break down Georgia’s defense, and their lack of wins in these encounters may be a psychological hurdle for the visiting team.

Key Players to Watch

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia

Kvaratskhelia is the standout player for Georgia and is considered one of the best left-wingers in world football. His performances at both the national and club levels have been nothing short of sensational. He has contributed 17 goals and 9 assists in just 36 appearances for Georgia. Additionally, his club form with Napoli has been remarkable, helping them sit atop Serie A.

Arber Hoxha – Albania

Albania’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Arber Hoxha, a versatile forward who can play across the front line. While he is yet to score for the national team, his club performances indicate that a breakthrough could be imminent. Hoxha’s ability to exploit spaces and create chances will be crucial against a resolute Georgian defense.

Georgia vs Albania Prediction

This clash promises to be intense, with both teams striving for a win to strengthen their qualification hopes. Georgia comes into this game in better form, having already secured a victory against Albania in the reverse fixture. Their home advantage and solid performances throughout the tournament make them favorites to win this match. Soccerbaba give it all to the home team.

Predicted Score: Georgia 2-1 Albania

Georgia’s attacking prowess, led by Kvaratskhelia, is likely to be too much for Albania to handle, especially in front of a passionate home crowd. Albania will fight hard, but Georgia’s superior quality in midfield and attack should see them secure the victory.

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FAQs about Georgia vs Albania

1. When is the Georgia vs Albania match? The match is on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 4 PM GMT.
2. Where will the match be played? The match will take place at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Georgia.
3. What is the significance of the match? This match is crucial for both teams in the UEFA Nations League as they aim to secure qualification for the next round.
4. Which team is currently leading the group? Georgia is leading League B Group 1 with six points.
5. Will Berat Djimsiti play for Albania? No, Djimsiti is injured and will not be available for this match.
6. Who are the key players for Georgia? Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze are Georgia’s key players.
7. What is the head-to-head record between Georgia and Albania? Georgia has won two of the last four matches, with the other two ending in a draw.
8. Which team has a better chance of winning? Georgia is the favorite to win, especially with their strong home form and recent victory over Albania.
9. Where can I watch the match live? In the USA, it will be broadcast on Fox Sports; in the UK on ITV; in India on the Sony Liv App/Website; in Georgia on GPB; and in Albania on Digitalb.
10. What is the predicted score for Georgia vs Albania? The predicted score is Georgia 3-1 Albania.

Where to Watch Georgia vs Albania Live?

This match promises to be an exciting clash in the UEFA Nations League. Stay tuned for a thrilling 90 minutes of football action!