Ireland V Georgia

Ireland V Georgia

If theres one thing for sure about this game its this, it won’t be pretty and it will most likely be a dull affair. A win for Ireland will put them level on points on top of the group and in perfect position when they take on Italy in the next round. Giovanni Trapattoni has done well so far but is not the type of manager to install an attacking style of play to his sides. Irelands play so far has been based on a defensive style and they were lucky to have got a 2 –1 in the reverse fixture. Lucky because of trouble in Georgia at the time the game was played thousands of kilometres from their home stadium in Tbilisi in Germany. Regarding team news Paul Mcshane is the only doubt but this may be a blessing in disguise as he is a liability in the Irish defence. Shay Given will have taken huge confidence from his debut for Man City at the weekend. The defence looks to be in good order as Kilbane and Dunne are always dependable and theres a nice balance of creativity and hard graft in the middle of the field. Up front Keane will be in the spotlight and ready to impress. Doyle was named as Irish player of the year for 2008 last Sunday and he never disappoints in the green jersey.
Probable line up
Given - Kelly, Kilbane, Dunne, O'Shea - Whelan, Andrews, McGeady, Duff - Doyle, Keane
Georgia have been a tough side to break down and were unlucky to give up home advantage to the Irish in a 2 – 1 defeat. Hector Cuper is facing a huge task on Wednesday as he is without Levan Mchedlidze and Levan Kenia, two of his most promising attackers but Kakha Kaladze has recently recovered from injury and is ready to take his place in the line-up. The defeat to Ireland was followed by another to Italy and a pair of draws to Cyprus and Bulgaria. They are more than a capable outfit though and are well organised and pushed Italy all the way. Khizanishvili and Kakha Kaladze are two of their more recognisable names and Georgia will need good games from these two experienced players to have any chance of success.

Verdict
Im not thrilled by the odds on the home win though im very confident we will pick up the 3 points. Irelands defence looks solid enough and with Georgia missing their attacking threat im expecting a clean sheet from Ireland and a one or two nil win.


PICK
Ireland to win 1 – 0 (6.5 @ bet365) 2 points
Ireland to win 2 – 0 (6 @ bet365) 2 points