Ireland v Georgia odds, free bets, live streaming – Republic look to get qualifying off to good start in Tbilisi
Latest Georgia v Rep of Ireland odds, free bets and live streaming information as Martin O’Neill looks to get the Irish Euro qualifying campaign off to a good start this evening.
The Republic of Ireland start their 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign off with a trip to Georgia.
With two sides now guaranteed qualification from each group, Ireland will fancy their chances of reaching the tournament.
Ireland overcame Oman 2-0 in a recent friendly, with Kevin Doyle and Alex Pearce on the scoresheet.
Shay Given featured for Ireland in the win, having opted to reverse his decision to retire from international duty.
Things will be harder for Martin O’Neill’s men on Sunday against a technically decent Georgia side, who only lost 2-0 to Spain in a recent fixture.
Georgia’s last international was a surprise 1-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates in a summer friendly.
Also in Group D, is the world champions Germany, Scotland, Poland and the newly registered FIFA nation Gibraltar.
Ireland’s record goalscorer Robbie Keane scored twice in a 4-0 win over Georgia in the pairs last meeting last summer.
Ireland have won all five previous internationals, including a double in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Team news Georgia coach Temuri Ketsbaia looks set to name a similar side to the one that lost away to the U.A.E in a recent friendly.
James McClean is out amid concerns about his match fitness, according to manager O’Neill, who spoke after the Oman victory.
James McCarthy will partner the Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan in the centre of the park, with Shane Long set to start up front.
Robbie Keane was on the bench against Oman, however is expected to partner Long up front on Sunday.
The biggest call is whom to partner John O’Shea with in the heart of the defence, with Alex Pearce the favourite.
David Forde looks set to start ahead of the returning Given in goal, with the Aston Villa keeper struggling for matches at Villa Park.
Georgia (4-5-1): Loria; Grigalava, Khubutia, Kashia, Lobzhanidze, Kverkvelia, Kobakhidze, Kankava, Dzaria, Okriashvili, Kazaihsvili
Ireland (4-4-2): Forde, Coleman, O’Shea, Pearce, Wilson, McGeady, McCarthy, Whelan, Pilkington, Keane, Long
