Turkey - Georgia predictions and free betting tips [18/06/2024]

On Tuesday, June 18, as part of the first round of the Euro 2024 group stage, Turkey will face the national team of Georgia. Given that Group F also includes the Czech Republic and Portugal, any slip-up could cost the team its chances to advance to the playoffs.

Projected Line-ups

Turkey: Günok; Ayhan, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadioglu; Özcan, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Yıldız, Aktürkoğlu; Yılmaz.

Turkey will be without winger Cengiz Ünder (Fenerbahçe, 16 goals in 51 matches) and forward Enes Ünal (Bournemouth, 3 goals in 33 matches), who were injured at the end of the club season. Additionally, defenders Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe) and Rıdvan Yılmaz (Rangers), and Bournemouth forward Enes Ünal are unavailable, as well as centre-back Kabak (Hoffenheim) who was injured in a friendly against Italy. Nevertheless, the coaching staff can rely on key players. Playmaker Çalhanoğlu (Inter, 18 goals in 86 matches) will orchestrate the game in the midfield, flanked by defensive midfielder Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund, 18 matches). In attack, expect to see winger Aktürkoğlu (Galatasaray, 5 goals in 29 matches). The experienced Cenk Tosun (Beşiktaş, 20 goals in 51 matches) will vie for the central forward position with Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray, 2 goals in 15 matches). Promising duo Arda Güler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus) are eager to shine in their first major international tournament.

Georgia: Mamardashvili; Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili, Shengelia, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze. 

Defenders Mamuchashvili (Dinamo Batumi) and Sazonov (Torino), present in the March camp, were not called up for the Euros. Promising midfielder Aburjania (Haya Spor) also misses out. Due to injury, experienced defensive midfielder Kankava (38, Slovan Bratislava) will not play in the tournament. Coach Willy Sagnol predictably bets on Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (15 goals in 30 matches) in attack. Additionally, goalkeeper Mamardashvili (Valencia), Metz forward Mikautadze (10 goals), and Chakvetadze (Watford, 8 goals) are available. Bordeaux forward Davitashvili (35 matches, 6 goals) also hopes for playing time in the continental tournament. Solomon Kvirkvelia is expected to start in central defence, while Giorgi Gvelesiani will only be fit for the second group stage match following a minor strain.

Stadium

The match will take place in Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.

Turkey

Despite being labelled a "dark horse" in every international tournament, Turkey still struggles to establish itself as a global football powerhouse. After exiting the last Euros with zero points in the group stage and missing out on the 2022 World Cup, the red-and-whites booked their ticket to Germany for their third consecutive continental championship. They topped qualifying Group D, amassing 17 points in 8 games, ahead of Croatia, Wales, Armenia, and Latvia.

However, recent results are a cause for concern for fans, such as defeats to Hungary (0:1) and Austria (6:1) in March. Last week, they drew with Italy (0:0) and then lost to Poland (2:1). Swiderski put the opponent ahead in the first half; Yılmaz equalised in the 77th minute, but Zalewski scored a powerful goal in the dying minutes. Notably, Turkey hasn't won a single match in 2024, losing 3 of their last 4 games.

Georgia

Georgia is set to participate in the first major international tournament in its history. Like Iceland, they reached the playoffs of the qualifiers, finishing 4th in their group behind Spain, Scotland, and Norway. Thanks to good results in the Nations League, the "Crusaders" edged out Norway for a second chance and did not disappoint: they defeated Luxembourg (2:0) in the first round and fought to the end against Greece, winning on penalties despite playing the last 45 minutes with ten men. 

Last weekend, the nominal guests won their only friendly against Montenegro (1:3) and arrived at this European Championship in good form. Goals from Kiteishvili and Mikautadze in the first half were followed by Jovetić pulling one back. However, Zivzivadze settled the match late on. Georgia has every chance to cause an upset in Group F, undoubtedly aiming to shake things up in the race for the Round of 16.

Head-to-Head

The last time these teams faced each other was in a friendly in May 2012, and Turkey won 3:1.

Prediction for Turkey vs Georgia

Georgia is preparing to play their first match in the European Championship, so nerves are inevitable for the "Crusaders." However, Sagnol's men's recent results should give fans hope. The nominal guests have won their last three matches across all competitions and possess a quality attacking line-up. In contrast, Turkey has failed to win any of their last five matches, which suggests their chances of success might be slightly overestimated. I back Georgia with a +1 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

Georgia boasts a quality attacking line-up led by Kvaratskhelia and won't be sitting back. I predict the "Crusaders" will score at least once.

Corner Prediction

Turkey will undoubtedly play as the more experienced team, thus attacking more actively. I back the favourite to win in corners.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Georgia will be nervous, which is understandable as it will be their first-ever European Championship match. I predict the "Crusaders" will come out on top in yellow cards.

Score Prediction

I predict a final score of 1:1.