PORTUGAL will be aiming to maintain their 100% record in Group F of Euro 2024 as they face Georgia on Wednesday. The Georgians have some fight in them but should find things difficult against the superior quality of the 2016 champions.
Georgia head into Wednesday’s clash off the back of a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in their previous Group C fixture. They made a fast start and struck first through Georges Mikautadze but were pegged back after the break.
The result means Georgia are still seeking their first win in the competition after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Turkey in their opening fixture. manager Willy Sagnol will be disappointed not to have held for all three points as they now go into the clash against Portugal needing a win to qualify.
Portugal were rampant in their previous Group F fixture as they ran out 3-0 winners over Turkey to secure a place in the round of 16. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring while Bruno Fernandes was also on target after a Bizarre own-goal from the Turks.
The result means Portugal are still maintaining their 100% record having begun their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia. The defensive display will be particularly pleasing to manager Roberto Martinez as they looked solid at the back throughout.
Hoe the bookies view it: Portuguese dominance
The bookies have installed Portugal as overwhelming favourites with a win priced at 3/10 by Betfred. An unlikely victory for Georgia is valued at 9/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 9/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Only one meeting
There has been only one previous meeting between Georgia and Portugal, with the former champions claiming a 2-0 victory in a friendly back in 2008.
Players to watch: Jota to grab opportunity
Diogo Jota is often a goal threat off the bench and could be worth a look, with Portugal likely to make changes. The forward has a decent scoring record and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to find the net on Wednesday.
Having shut out the Turks last time out, Portugal will be targeting a similar outcome on Wednesday. Ruben Dias has impressed so far in the competition and can lead the 2016 champions to a clean sheet at 11/10 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Georges Mikautadze has scored in both matches for Georgia and should retain his place in attack. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should also continue to provide support on the left.
Rafael Leao is suspended for Wednesday’s clash and should be replaced in attack by Diogo Jota. Having played all 90 minutes in the two matches so far, Cristiano Ronaldo could be given a rest ahead of the knockout stage.
Georgia: Mamardashvili, Dvali Kashia, Kverkvelia, Mekvabishvili, Kokorashvili, Tsitaishvili, Kochorashvili, Kvaratskhelia, Davitashvili, Mikautadze
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes, Conceicao, Jota, Ramos
Anything else catch the eye?
Having won to nil last time out, Portugal could be set for a similar outcome at 13/10 with Betfred. The former champions won both halves against Turkiye and a repeat is priced at 15/8 by Betfred.
Portugal scored in both halves in their previous fixture and a similar pattern is priced at 19/20 by Betfred.
This Euro 2024 match between Georgia and Portugal will be played on Jun 26, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Georgia vs Portugal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
