Georgia's new coach to debut against Ukraine: prediction for Georgia vs Ukraine
The UEFA Nations League second-round clash between Georgia and Ukraine will take place on September 28 at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi. The hosts began the tournament with a dramatic 0-1 defeat to Northern Ireland, conceding in the 99th minute, while Ukraine edged Hungary 1-0 in Budapest.
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Georgia: 99th-minute defeat and a change of coach
Before the start of the Nations League, Georgia had gone four matches unbeaten, recording two wins and two draws. However, the meeting with Northern Ireland ended in painful fashion — Shea Charles scored the only goal as late as the 99th minute.
Following the defeat, Willy Sagnol stepped down as head coach. He was replaced by youth national team manager Ramaz Svanadze, and the match against Ukraine will be his debut at the helm of the senior national team. Georgia have now gone five Nations League group-stage matches without a win.
Ukraine: two straight wins under the new coach
Ukraine made a winning start to the tournament by beating Hungary 1-0. Danylo Sikan scored the only goal shortly before halftime, and Andrea Maldyera's side managed to protect their lead despite the opposition's 17 shots.
For the new coach, this is already a second consecutive victory, not counting the abandoned match against Denmark. However, Ukraine will be without Oleksandr Nazarenko, who received two yellow cards after coming on as a substitute and will miss the match in Tbilisi.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Georgia conceded the decisive goal against Northern Ireland in the 99th minute.
- Ukraine began the tournament with a 1-0 away win over Hungary.
- In their two Nations League matches in the 2024/25 season, Ukraine did not lose to Georgia, recording one win and one draw.
New impetus for the hosts against a confident Ukraine: prediction for Georgia vs Ukraine
A change of coach could provide Georgia with an emotional boost, especially at home. At the same time, the team still possess a formidable attacking line led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze.
Ukraine currently look more consistent in terms of results and have already shown good defensive organization against Hungary. However, the trip to Tbilisi promises to be considerably tougher, so a closely fought match looks like a very realistic outcome.
