Georgia make their debut at the U21 European Championships this summer, starting their campaign against three-time runners up Portugal. We’ve previewed the game and have given you our best bets for the occasion.
Georgia U21 vs Portugal U21 Tips
Wednesday 21st June, 2023
17:00
Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena
As tournament co-hosts alongside Romania, Georgia (7/1) managed to avoid the gruelling qualification process for the 2023 U21 Euros, and a first appearance on the big stage now awaits.
The Crusaders had tried and failed to qualify for the tournament on 14 previous occasions – the closest they came was back in 2021 when they picked up five victories during the qualifying process.
Grouped together with the Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands, Georgia faces a serious battle if they are to emerge from this heavyweight group.
Meanwhile, Portugal (2/7) dropped just two points in 10 games during their run to the finals, and will be aiming to make it fourth time lucky following three previous runners-up medals.
Georgia and Portugal will be renewing hostilities for just the second time after their maiden meeting in a September friendly on Wednesday, during which Portugal ran out as 4-1 winners.
Team News
Giorgi Gagua and Giorgi Guliashvili both expected to start in advanced attacking positions for Georgia, while Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would have been eligible to take part, but the 22-year-old is not in the squad this time around.
Meanwhile, Portugal head coach Rui Jorge has named a strong 23-man squad, including Marseille striker Vitinha. PSV Eindhoven forward Fabio Silva is expected to join the Ligue 1 forward in the Portuguese attack.
However, Portugal have already been dealt one of the cruellest blows they could have been dealt ahead of the tournament, as Arsenal playmaker Fabio Vieira has withdrawn due to an unspecified medical condition.
Portugal to win to nil @ 11/10
As mentioned above, Portugal were prolific during qualifying, and come into the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.
Rui Jorge’s side are in superb form, having won 13 of their last 15 international contests since September 2021.
Scoring 45 goals in those 15 games, Jorge’s side have some serious firepower, and a deep run in the competition seems likely for a side boasting plenty of top-level experience.
Over 2.5 total goals @ 8/13
Eight of Portugal’s last nine games saw at least three goals scored, and with the attacking options at their disposal, I would very surprised if this is a low-scoring affair.
Admittedly, the price for over 2.5 goals is a little bit short, but this could easily be paired with something else to create an accumulator of sorts.
Georgia lost their maiden meeting with Portugal 4-1, but it is worth noting that six of the Georgia’s eight most recent home contests saw both teams score, suggesting we could be in for an entertaining evening in Tbilisi.
*All prices correct at the time of writing.
Welcome Offer – Bet £10 Get £30 in FREE Bets
New 18+ UK customers.
1st bet on sports of £10+ in one transaction at evens (2.0)+ settled within 7 days of registering.
£30 paid in free bets within 10 hours of bet settlement, 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply.
Full Terms & Conditions apply.
The post Georgia U21 vs Portugal U21 Prediction: Rui Jorge’s side look too strong appeared first on Betfred Blog.
