Top meets bottom in League B Group 1, as Georgia, buoyed by a strong Euro 2024 performance, take on last-placed Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. Georgia collected maximum points last month, while Ukraine suffered back-to-back defeats.
Match Preview
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, June 2024
Ukraine were eliminated at the group stage of Euro 2024 despite collecting four points, marking their third exit at this stage in four European Championship appearances. Following their disappointing campaign, Serhiy Rebrov’s side aimed to rebound in September but were defeated 2-1 by Albania after leading early in their Nations League opener.
Playing their “home” games in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Rebrov’s men also suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Czech Republic in their second Nations League fixture, despite a late Heorhiy Sudakov goal sparking hope of a comeback.
Having lost two straight matches, Ukraine finds itself at the bottom of Group 1. While Rebrov had a strong start with just three losses in his first 16 matches as head coach, Ukraine now faces a battle to avoid relegation from League B. With four games remaining, however, they still have a chance to turn things around and even push for promotion.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia, September 2024
Georgia, meanwhile, have been on an impressive trajectory since topping their League C group and qualifying for Euro 2024 via the playoffs. Under head coach Willy Sagnol, the Georgians made it to the knockout stages of Euro 2024, and their momentum has continued into the Nations League.
Last month, Georgia dismantled the Czech Republic 4-1, with star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring from the penalty spot, before securing a narrow 1-0 win over Albania. These results have put Georgia three points clear at the top of Group 1, positioning them for back-to-back promotions in the Nations League.
While Georgia has been dominant in the Nations League, winning seven of their last eight matches, their form on the road has been less consistent, with six defeats in their last nine away games. However, they will be confident heading into their clash with Ukraine in Poland.
Team News
Ukraine’s Serhiy Rebrov, August 2024
Ukraine will be boosted by the return of in-form Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, who missed the last set of fixtures. However, key players Oleksandr Zinchenko, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Viktor Tsygankov, and Ruslan Malinovskyi are all sidelined with injuries. Captain Andriy Yarmolenko is also set to miss the match after picking up a knock over the weekend. Additionally, midfielders Taras Stepanenko and Volodymyr Brazhko are unavailable.
Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, September 2024
Georgia, on the other hand, have fewer injury concerns. However, Saba Lobzhanidze, who was nominated for MLS Player of the Season, will not travel to Poland. Georgia’s star players, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Euro 2024 top-scorer Georges Mikautadze, are expected to feature, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been a standout performer for the team.
Possible Lineups
Ukraine: Trubin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykhaylichenko; Sudakov, Buyalskyi, Shaparenko; Zubkov, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Gvelesiani, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Chakvetadze, Kochorashvili, Kiteishvili, Lochoshvili; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze
Prediction
With Ukraine hit by injuries to key players and forced to play away from home, they may struggle to claim all three points. Georgia, meanwhile, are in strong form, with a well-organized team and talented attackers. A draw seems the most likely outcome, as Georgia will aim to maintain their unbeaten Nations League run.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-1 Georgia
