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Preview: Georgia vs. Thailand - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 10 October 2023, 22:15
After three defeats in a row, Georgia will try to get back to winning ways on Friday when they face Thailand in an international friendly.

The visitors are undefeated in their previous two outings which is a run they will be looking to take into the upcoming World Cup qualification games.

Match preview

Georgia have some crucial UEFA Euro 2024 qualification games coming up that are must-win should they hope to progress into the tournament, and the squad will want to use this fixture to head into them with confidence.

Willy Sagnol's men head into Friday following three consecutive losses, all of which took place in their Euro 2024 qualification group, which has left them in a tricky position should they wish to qualify.

The latest loss took place against Norway where they were beaten 2-1 as Budu Zivzivadze's 91st-minute goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

However, it is the defensive side of the game that Georgia must focus on, as they have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches, which is an alarming situation.

While this fixture is only a friendly, with a crucial match against Cyprus around the corner next week it is one that the fans will be taking very seriously.

The visitors only have friendly matches during this international break which takes the pressure off them slightly, but that is something that could benefit Thailand.

Being able to play with freedom could lead to them extending their current two-game undefeated run after a draw against Chinese Taipei was followed by a victory over Hong Kong.

Thailand's most recent outing also saw them pick up a clean sheet for the first time in three games which is something that they will be hoping to repeat here.

Alexandre Polking's men do have World Cup qualification matches looming in November which will be important for them, and the two fixtures in this break will see the team attempt to build as much momentum as possible for those.

After successfully winning the AFF Championship at the start of the year, 2023 has proven to be one to remember for Thailand, but ending it just as strong is equally as important.

Georgia friendly form:

W

Georgia form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

L

L

Thailand friendly form:

L

L

D

W

Thailand form (all competitions):

W

L

L

L

D

W

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Team News

After coming off the bench to score in Georgia's most recent international match Zivzivadze will be hoping he is able to push into the starting lineup this time around.

It is also likely that the hosts will continue playing with five at the back as they aim to make improvements to the defensive side of the game after some difficulties as of late.

The visitors have been playing in style recently, and because of that, there might not be many alterations to the starting lineup from how they looked against Hong Kong.

Teerasil Dangda will be expected to lead the line in this match though as the captain brings plenty of experience and a real goal threat which he showed in their most recent outing.

Georgia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Gocholeishvili, Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dvali, Azarovi; Mekvabishvili, Chakvetadze, Kvaratskhelia; Mikautadze, Kiteishvili

Thailand possible starting lineup:

Kaomhai; Notchaiya, Kaman, Praisuwan, Mickelson; Puangchan, Pomphan, Yooyen; Sarachart, Songkrasin, Dangda

We say: Georgia 0-2 Thailand

Georgia have an important upcoming game that they need momentum for, which is why this particular fixture is arguably more important for them than Thailand.

Despite that, the visitors have been in better form as of late, and their attacking qualities are likely to be too much.

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