Nations League | League B

Oct 11, 2024 at 7.45pm UK

INEA stadion

Ukraine vs Georgia

Match preview

Georgia had a great time in Germany, but Ukraine were unlucky to be knocked out at the group stage. They picked up four points, but still fell at the first hurdle for a third time in four European Championship appearances.

Serhiy Rebrov's team were keen to bounce back from this disappointment in September, but they couldn't hold on to a one-goal lead against Albania in their Nations League opener, losing 2-1 in Prague.

As the war continues in Ukraine, the team will now host Friday's game in Poland. They also came away empty-handed from a five-goal thriller against the Czech Republic.

It was looking pretty bad for Ukraine when they were two goals down with only a few minutes left to play. But then Heorhiy Sudakov scored for them in the 84th minute, giving them a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately for Ukraine, their hosts held on and they ended up in last place in Group 1.

Rebrov is already well-known for his achievements with the national team as a player, and he'd only lost three of his 16 previous matches in charge. However, his team now face a real challenge in trying to retain their League B status.

But there are still four games left, so there's still time to turn things around and even compete for promotion to Europe's top tier, which they last competed in four years ago. Second place would secure a playoff, so two wins this month could keep that dream alive.

Georgia hasn't had much luck against Ukraine in the last six meetings. Since gaining independence, they've often been one of the underdogs on the continent.

They've also done really well in the Nations League, which is how they're going to Euro 2024. They topped their League C group and then got through the playoffs, which has really helped their status over the past few months.

After making it through to the knockout stage in Germany, Willy Sagnol's team returned to action last month with a great performance. They beat the Czech Republic 4-1, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring the first goal from a penalty, and also beat Albania.

That gave them a three-point lead over both of their September opponents, and they're now in first place in Group 1. Back-to-back promotions are a real possibility.

Georgia's overall Nations League record is particularly impressive because they've been competing in the lower echelons. They've won seven of their last eight fixtures in UEFA's newest international tournament.

However, the Jvarosnebi have lost six of their last nine away games, so Sagnol won't be taking anything for granted before heading to Poznan.

Recent Performance

Ukraine Nations League form:LL

Ukraine form (all competitions):WLWDLL

Georgia Nations League form:WW

Georgia form (all competitions):LDWLWW

Injuries and suspensions

Ukraine

6 Taras Stepanenko

Georgia

No sidelined players

Possible starting lineups

Ukraine(4-2-3-1)

12Trubin(GK)

19Tymchyk(DR)

22Matviienko(DC)

13Zabarnyi(DC)

16Mykolenko(DL)

10Shaparenko(MC)

17Zinchenko(MC)

20Mudryk(AML)

14Sudakov(AMC)

15Tsyhankov(AMR)

9 Dovbyk(FW)

Georgia(3-5-2)

12Mamardashvili(GK)

4Kashia(DC)

3Dvali(DC)

15Gvelesiani(DC)

2Kakabadze(DMR)

14Lochoshvili(DML)

17Kiteishvili(MC)

10Chakvetadze(MC)

6Kochorashvili(MC)

7Kvaratskhelia(FW)

22Mikautadze(FW)