Georgia VS Austria Match Prediction

History is going to be made in this match whatever happens, as it is the first time Georgia and Austria have ever gone head-to-head in a competitive international fixture. Being on new ground when they visit the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi is one of the biggest challenges that the Austrians will face if they are to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a good start.

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Georgia v Austria: Prediction

Georgia are a largely unknown quantity despite their shock 1-0 defeat of Spain in the build-up to Euro 2016. Austria were widely tipped as one of the dark horses for that tournament but they proved to be a massive flop and they have to justify that status in this qualifying campaign. A close game looks to be on the cards and there are not expected to be a lot of chances made - or goals.

Georgia v Austria: Betting Tips

A price of 17/5 on Georgia to win suggests the bookmakers have not been won over by that famous 1-0 win over Spain, while Austria have been made favourites at around the evens mark even though they have to travel. The odds of 12/5 on the draw look to be decent value here.

With a close match almost guaranteed, under 2.5 goals to be scored in Tbilisi for this match appeals at a price of 11/18, while it may even be worth taking on the 15/8 on under 1.5 goals.

Georgia's win over Spain in a June international friendly remains fresh in the memory and a lot of their players will have taken plenty of confidence out of that match. While there are no household names in the squad available to coach Vladimír Weiss, who used to lead Slovakia, being able to record a clean sheet against then-European champions Spain is a sign of their resilience.

Georgia likely XI:

Austria were one of the most disappointing teams at Euro 2016 this summer and they will have to be a lot better if they hold out hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, which is held in Russia. David Alaba was particularly poor at this summer's finals and he will have to be much better in this game as Austria need his leadership and quality on the ball. 

The lack of a goalscorer in the squad looks to be the biggest weakness, while Robert Almer memorably saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty at Euro 2016.

Austria likely XI:

Beating Spain is a result that will live long in the memory for Georgia, but ultimately that was an international friendly that did not mean anything to the Spanish. For Austria, this is an early chance to right the wrongs of Euro 2016, when they failed to meet expectations and crashed out in the group stage. With neither side boasting a goalscorer of any repute, a close game looks likely and it could be settled by a single goal, with Austria the more likely winners. A 0-0 draw is certainly possible.

This will be the first ever international fixture between Georgia and Austria.