Montenegro vs Georgia predictions ahead of this friendly contest. Georgia, preparing for their first major finals, aim to impress against Montenegro in their final Euro 2024 warm-up game. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
Friendly | Jun 9, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Stadion Pod Goricom
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Montenegro vs Georgia Predictions
Georgia Aim to Fine-Tune Tactics Against Montenegro in Pre-Euro 2024 Friendly
Key Stats
– Georgia have scored 14 goals in their last two friendlies.
– Montenegro have won three of their last five matches.
– Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has netted four times in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
As Georgia gear up for their inaugural appearance at the European Championship, they face Montenegro in their sole pre-Euro 2024 warm-up match at Podgorica City Stadium. The Georgian squad, preparing for a challenging group stage against Turkey, Czech Republic, and Portugal, will be eager to fine-tune their strategies and gain momentum. On the other hand, Montenegro, not part of the Euro 2024 festivities, aims to build on a relatively solid qualification campaign and gather confidence for the upcoming UEFA Nations League.
Team Form and Recent Performances
Montenegro’s Recent Journey
Montenegro have never qualified for a major international tournament, and their third-place finish in their Euro 2024 qualifying group behind Hungary and Serbia extended this trend. Despite missing out on qualification, Montenegro can take pride in their recent form, winning three out of their last five matches, including victories over Belarus and North Macedonia. However, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in their most recent outing, highlighting the gap they need to bridge against top-tier opponents.
Georgia’s Preparations
Georgia’s path to their first-ever European Championship was marked by a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Greece in the playoffs. The team, under the guidance of Willy Sagnol, has shown promise, winning five of their last six matches. Their recent victories over Mongolia and Thailand, while not the sternest tests, have helped boost confidence. This upcoming friendly against Montenegro will be crucial for final adjustments before they face Turkey in their Euro 2024 opener.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Insights
Montenegro’s Tactical Setup
Montenegro are expected to deploy a starting lineup featuring Sarkic in goal, supported by a defensive quartet of Vesovic, Rubezic, Vujacic, and Vukcevic. The midfield will likely include Kuc and Bakic, with Osmajic, Jovetic, and Camaj providing creative support behind Krstovic. This setup suggests a balanced approach, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity while leveraging Jovetic’s experience and creativity to unlock Georgia’s defence.
Georgia’s Tactical Approach
Georgia’s probable lineup will see Mamardashvili between the posts, with a backline of Kvirkvelia, Kashia, and Dvali. The midfield could be marshalled by Kochorashvili and Chakvetadze, with Kvaratskhelia and Zivzivadze leading the attack. Georgia’s approach will likely involve quick transitions and utilising the pace and creativity of Kvaratskhelia, who has been a standout performer for his club, Napoli.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle between Montenegro’s Jovetic and Georgia’s Kochorashvili will be pivotal. Jovetic’s vision and playmaking abilities will be crucial in breaking down Georgia’s defence, while Kochorashvili’s energy and ball-winning skills will be essential for Georgia’s transitions. Another key duel will be between Montenegro’s Krstovic and Georgia’s Kashia. Krstovic’s physical presence and finishing ability will test Kashia’s defensive organisation and leadership.
Gameplay Predictions and Tactical Dynamics
Given Georgia’s need to build momentum ahead of Euro 2024 and Montenegro’s home advantage, the match is expected to be closely contested. Georgia will likely focus on quick counter-attacks, leveraging Kvaratskhelia’s dribbling and pace. Montenegro, meanwhile, will aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through Jovetic’s creativity and Krstovic’s finishing prowess.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Montenegro
Strengths: Montenegro’s strengths lie in their experienced midfield and attacking depth. Jovetic’s playmaking ability and Krstovic’s goal-scoring instincts are significant assets. Their defence, anchored by Rubezic and Vukcevic, provides a solid foundation.
Weaknesses: Despite their strengths, Montenegro have struggled against higher-ranked teams, as seen in their recent defeat to Belgium. Their defensive organisation can be suspect under sustained pressure, and they often rely too heavily on individual brilliance from Jovetic.
Georgia
Strengths: Georgia’s primary strength is their balanced team structure and the presence of key players like Kvaratskhelia and Mamardashvili. Their quick transitions and solid defensive setup have been effective in recent matches.
Weaknesses: Georgia’s main weakness is their lack of experience at major tournaments. While they have shown promise, their squad depth and ability to perform under pressure against top-tier teams remain concerns.
Managerial Analysis
Montenegro’s Robert Prosinecki
Prosinecki has instilled a disciplined and organised approach in Montenegro, focusing on defensive solidity and efficient transitions. However, his conservative tactics can sometimes limit the team’s attacking potential, relying heavily on Jovetic’s creativity.
Georgia’s Willy Sagnol
Sagnol’s tenure has seen Georgia adopt a more expansive and attacking style of play. His ability to motivate and organise the team has been crucial in their recent successes. However, his side’s inexperience at major tournaments poses a challenge that will test his managerial acumen.
Expected Goals and Performance Metrics
The expected goals (xG) metrics provide deeper insight into the teams’ attacking efficiency. Montenegro’s xG of 1.1 per game suggests a moderate offensive capability, supported by their average of 12.1 shots per game. Conversely, Georgia have an xG of 1.4 per game, indicating a slightly higher attacking potential with an average of 11.2 shots per game. These figures suggest that both teams generate a reasonable number of scoring opportunities, with Georgia having a slight edge in finishing.
Predictions
Best Bet: Georgia to Win
Considering Georgia’s recent form and Montenegro’s inconsistencies, the best bet for this match is a Georgia win. Georgia’s balanced team and attacking depth give them a significant edge.
Correct Score Prediction: Montenegro 1-2 Georgia
Reflecting Georgia’s superior form and Montenegro’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 2-1 victory for Georgia seems plausible. Georgia’s organised play and attacking talent should secure a narrow win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Score
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s standout performer, is likely to find the net. His ability to exploit defensive lapses and create scoring opportunities makes him a key threat, especially against a Montenegro side that has shown defensive weaknesses.
First Half Result: Draw
Given the balanced nature of both teams and their respective strategies, a draw at half-time is likely. Both teams are expected to play cautiously in the first half, focusing on solid defensive setups before pushing forward in the second half.
Innovative Market: Total Cards Over 3.5
Considering the physical nature of international friendlies and the competitive stakes, predicting over 3.5 total cards is a viable market. Both teams have shown tendencies towards committing fouls, and with the intensity of this match, the likelihood of multiple bookings is high.
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