Georgia v Scotland: 2007 sins to be absolved against blunt Georgians

Georgia 4.70 v Scotland 2.06; The Draw 3.30
Friday, 17:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Georgia

Boasting only three points and already being eight adrift of third place in Group D with 12 left to play for, one would forgive the Georgians if they began casting their gaze towards qualification for World Cup 2018.

Indeed, with Wales the highest-ranked side in their qualifying group for Russia, they might feel that it's actually a lot more generous a draw than they were handed for Euro 2016, despite its new king-size format. They come into this game on the back of seven defeats in their last nine, including a 1-0 loss in Glasgow last October.

Nonetheless, for sides like Georgia who have never qualified for any tournament, each match is treated as an individual potential moment of glory. There will be no slacking - particularly not when considering their history against Scotland.

In 2007, in Euro 2008 qualifying, the Georgians recorded one of their most memorable victories with a 2-0 win over the Tartan Army in Tbilisi. In a qualifying campaign that included a stunning double over France, it was typical of the Scots that such a result should ultimately see them fail to qualify.

Scotland

Scottish fans won't have forgotten that result, and their players will do well to remind themselves of the need to be switched on at all times regardless of the opposition as they lie third behind Poland and Germany.

While third will be enough to claim a play-off spot and potentially qualify outright, they'll know that with Republic of Ireland away to whipping boys Gibraltar, anything other than a win will surely see them drop to fourth.

But Gordon Strachan has his men in fine shape and on course for their first major tournament since 1998. They've lost only twice in just under two years - 15 games - to Germany and England, but will welcome the former to Hampden Park on Monday.

Hearing terms "must-win" will do none of the players any favours but, with only Stuart Armstrong and Christophe Berra injury absentees, the Scots should be confident.

Match Odds

After narrowly losing their first Group D game to Germany, Scotland are unbeaten in five,making them 2.06 favourites to claim the vital three points.

Having said that, Strachan is yet to see his side win away with the Euro 2016 logo on their sleeves, and Georgia's recent history of stumping the Scots might prompt a couple of cheeky punts on the home side at 4.70.

The draw is available at 3.30, but it is worth noting that Georgia's last stalemate was two years ago, while Scotland's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland in their last outing was only their second in nine fixtures.

Apart from the three that they put past qualifying debutants Gibraltar, Georgia have managed only one goal so far, going nearly a year without a competitive goal. A Scotland defence that kept a clean sheet against this attack last time should be perfectly able to do the same again at 2.14.

To Score

Scotland haven't failed to score in any of their qualifying games so far, an impressive feat given that they have already travelled to leaders Poland and World Cup winners Germany.

Shaun Maloney may not often be seen alongside such illustrious company as Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, but so far they are the only two men in this group who can claim to have scored more goals than his four.

As he's their man in form, takes the free kicks and has recently made a return to English football from the States with a move to Hull, he looks the pick of the lot to score at any time at 5.00.

Recommended Bet:

Back Shaun Maloney to score @ 5.00