Georgia vs Republic of North Macedonia
Georgia and North Macedonia are set to square off in the biggest match of the UEFA Nations League’s League C as the two nations battle it out for promotion to League B.
The two countries are developing a bit of a rivalry after facing off several times over the last couple of years.
And the Georgians could very well grab the upper hand on the North Macedonians yet again in the UEFA Nations League as they need only a draw to secure promotion as Group C4 winners.
Talking Points
In-form Kvaratskhelia ready to lead Georgia
After starting in League D in the first UEFA Nations League in 2018, Georgia are a point away from gaining promotion to League B.
Under the guidance of former France and Bayern Munich star Willy Sagnol, the Georgians have gone unbeaten in this Nations League campaign with three wins and a draw. Sagnol’s side are currently on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, with seven wins and two draws.
Georgia are the highest scorers in League C with 12 goals, but they missed their chance to seal promotion as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Bulgaria last time out.
The Georgians will be eager to avoid another setback at home, and the UEFA Nations League 2022 betting odds will back them to get the result they need, especially with young star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in fine form.
The 21-year-old has burst into the European scene this season thanks to his fine start with Napoli. His four goals in seven games have helped the Neapolitans to the top of Serie A. Kvaratskhelia has also produced a bunch of UEFA Nations League 2022 highlights with a team-leading three goals and two assists.
North Macedonia eyeing another first
North Macedonia have had quite a memorable last year or so. After a fine World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign where they finished second to Germany – whom they famously beat 2-1 away in Duisburg – they competed in their first-ever European Championship, although they lost all three of their group matches.
The North Macedonians then went on to the World Cup 2022 play-offs, where they pulled off an all-time shock as they defeated reigning European champions Italy before losing to Portugal in the final. And now, they are still in contention to reach League B of the UEFA Nations League for the first time.
North Macedonia are coming off a 4-0 thrashing of Gibraltar last time out. That was just the result they needed after getting crushed 3-0 at home by Georgia just a few days earlier.
Coach Blagoja Milevski will have his key trio of former Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, Eljif Elmas, and Aleksandar Trajkovski available for these last two UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 22-year-old Elmas will be all too familiar with what his Napoli club teammate Kvaratskhelia is capable of.
Meanwhile, Trajkovski – the country’s second all-time leading scorer with 20 goals – will be hoping to end his recent goalless drought. He hasn’t scored since his famous winning goal against Italy in March and last scored for his club, Al Feiha, in May.
History
This will be the fifth meeting between Georgia and North Macedonia, with all of the previous four matches coming in the past two years. The two sides were also grouped together in the previous edition of the Nations League, and they drew both matches 1-1.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia the lead in their second meeting on October 2020, but an Alioski penalty in the 90th minute gave North Macedonia a point.
The two countries also faced off in the Euro 2020 qualifying play-off Path D final. North Macedonia stunned the Georgians 1-0 in Tbilisi thanks to a goal from the great Goran Pandev.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Georgia installed as 2.08 favourites to clinch Group C4 with a home win. North Macedonia are priced at 3.30 to spoil the party, while a draw is 3.15.
While Georgia only need a draw to clinch top spot in the group and promotion to League B, Willy Sagnol’s side will still want to put on a show for their home fans. And with Kvaratskhelia in blistering form at the moment, they have just the man who can put on that show. Look for the Georgians to go out and defeat the North Macedonians again to gain promotion to League B.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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