Turkey vs Georgia: Preview, Lineups and Predictions 

Few people are expecting Georgia to make a big impression on Euro 2024. Not only do they have the worst qualification record of all the teams involved in Euro 2024 (8 points), but the lowest world ranking (75th place). Against the odds though, Willy Sagnol’s men have made it and they will be looking to do themselves proud during their first-ever match in the finals of a European Championship.

If Georgia are going to collect any points at Euro 2024, this opening fixture may be their best shot. On Tuesday they are up against a neighbouring side that is rather out of form and still adapting to life under Vicenzo Montella who took charge in September 2023. Additionally, the Turks have lost five of their last six Euro finals matches.

• Location: Dortmund
• Stadium: BVB Stadion (Signal Iduna Park)
• Date: 18 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 18:00 CEST (17:00 BST)
• Referee: Facundo Tello (ARG)
• VAR: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)

Turkey Team News

Vincent Montella’s decision to bring İrfan Kahveci off at half-time during the recent friendly loss to Poland was due to injury rather than tactical. The Fenerbahçe man was spotted missing from training in midweek along with backup goalkeeper Mert Günok. Few details were provided about the severity of Kahveci’s problem, but I get the impression he will miss this match at the very least.

More positive news is that Merih Demiral appears to have recovered from the issue that forced him off before half-time against Italy. The Al Ahli defender came off the bench against Poland to play the final thirty minutes.

Georgia Team News

Georgia played Montenegro on 9th June as their final preparation for Euro 2024. There was a notable absentee from the match, centre-back Solomon Kverkvelia, who is seeking his 56th international cap. Giorgi Gvelesiani proved solid cover on the night, but he will be replaced should Kverkvelia be fully fit or close to it. The other uncertainty within the Georgian squad is Otar Kiteishvili, who came off just five minutes after the restart against Montenegro. Although it seemed more precautionary than anything, his involvement in this game is in doubt.

Turkey vs Georgia H2H Record and Key Numbers

This meeting will be the first time Turkey and Georgia have faced one another in over 12 years. Across their previous five clashes, Turkey have ended victorious on three occasions compared to Georgia’s one.

Five games without a win for Turkey, including defeats to Hungary and Poland, does not make for ideal Euro 2024 preparation. However, it should be remembered that Montella did win his first three matches in charge and is trying to develop a young squad bursting with potential.

Georgia have only played once since their penalty shootout win over Greece in March, the victory that booked their place in this tournament. This solitary friendly saw Sagnol’s side claim a 3-1 win over Montenegro. Maintaining their winning run means Georgia has won five and lost just one of their last seven matches.

Possible Lineups

• Turkey (4-2-3-1): Çakır – Çelik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu – Özcan, Çalhanoğlu – Güler, Yıldız, Aktürkoğlu – Yılmaz
• Georgia (3-5-2): Mamardashvili – Kverkvelia, Kashia, Dvali – Kakabadze, Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili, Shengelia, Chakvetadze – Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze

Where to Watch Turkey vs Georgia Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

Viewers in Turkey can watch the match on TRT, while those based in Georgia can access it through GPB. If you are located in the UK, BBC has the right to this fixture.

Prediction

Vincenzo Montella has taken a young squad to Germany (the second youngest in the tournament) and there is concern that the inexperience may show. Georgia on the other hand are a settled unit and one that has made real strides forward under Sagnol. Although they lack an abundance of stars, the likes of Mamardashvili and Kvaratskhelia could see them grind out a 1-1 draw, which would be a huge result for them.

For more betting tips, you can check the Turkey vs Georgia prediction page.