Georgia and Czech Republic will play their second matches of Euro 2024 on Saturday afternoon with both sides needing a positive result after losing their respective opening matches.
Georgia were a breath of fresh air in their opening game against Turkey and had enough chances to win the match, even though they've ended up losing by two goals in the end. Their all-out-attack approach means that this is a match that you aren't going to want to miss.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, nearly pulled off one of the shocks of the tournament when they went 1-0 up against Portugal. While they ended up losing the match, they should take a lot from their defensive display considering they frustrated Ronaldo and co for 70 minutes.
How the bookies view it: Georgia retain their underdog status
Their impressive and free-spirited performance against Turkey wasn't enough to convince the bookies of Georgia's credentials ahead of this one, which isn't really surprising considering the pedigree of both teams.
The Czech Republic go in as favourites at 8/11 with Betfred while a Georgia win is priced at 4/1. The draw, which doesn't really suit either team, is priced at 11/4.
Recent head-to-head: A first-ever meeting
The match between Georgia and the Czech Republic will be the first time that the two nations have ever met on the football pitch. A total of 40 places separate the two teams in the FIFA World Rankings with the Czech Republic ranked 34th in the world and Georgia ranked 74th.
Players to watch: A chance to watch the Georgian Messi
This time last year, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was considered one of the hottest properties in Europe. He had just come off a historic season with Napoli where had been one of their key players, alongside Victor Osimhen, as they ended their long wait for a Serie A title.
Kvaratskhelia hasn't been as impressive this season for Napoli but he still retains the nickname of the ‘Georgian Messi' due to his diminutive height and brilliant dribbling ability. He had a good game against Turkey but more is to come and given the importance of this fixture, he may well spring into action.
One man to keep an eye on for the Czech Republic is Patrik Schick. The Bayer Leverkusen striker only lasted an hour against Portugal and largely fed off scraps but this should be a game of more chances for the striker. He returned from a long injury half way through last season and fired in 12 goals for his club.
Predicted lineups
There is no reason for Georgia boss, Willy Sagnol, to change anything after his team's performance against Turkey so expected an unchanged Georgia XI here. For the Czechs, Mojmir Chytil could get the nod to partner Schick up front after a disappointing display from Jan Kuchta on matchday one.
Georgia: Mamardashvili – Kakbadze, Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dvali, Tsitaishvili – Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Chakvetadze – Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia
Czech Republic: Stanek – Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Doudera – Soucek, Provod, Sulk – Chytil, Schick
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams were involved in matches that covered the over 2.5 goals market on matchday one and it's difficult to see how there won't be more goals here given how open and attacking Georgia will be. Eight of their last ten matches have seen more than 2.5 goals scored. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 10/11 with Betfred.
This Euro 2024 match between Georgia and Czech Republic will be played on Jun 22, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Georgia vs Czech Republic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
