GEORGIA v ISRAEL
Football : International : Euro 2012 Qualifying
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010, 6:00pm GMT

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GEORGIA

This is the first home game qualifying game for Georgia at this tournament, and will also be the first competitive meeting with Israel, whom they have played in friendlies on 4 previous occasions. Georgia won one of those, drawing another, with the remaining 2 being victories for Israel.

I'm not a follower of individual players with this side, so will leave you to have a look at the teamsheet yourself. You could put one in front of me and it wouldn't make a difference to the preview, which is written purely from a wagering perspective.

What I'm interested in is what Georgia will set out to do on Tuesday, and what is likely to happen. Georgia weren't expected to win against Greece, but having led until the 75th minute, the draw, which really is a good result, must have felt like points dropped.

Georgia will be looking for a point here, and I see them attacking a bit, seeing as they are at home on familiar territory against opponents who happily go forward to play an attacking game. Goal on the break? Very possible.

ISRAEL

Captain Yossi Benayoun got himself a hat-trick in the opening round of the EURO 2012 qualifying matches. He struck early, in the 75th second, but had the goal ruled offside, before then finally giving his team the lead in the 7th minute. A penalty on 64 minutes gave them the lead for the 2nd time and then 15 minutes from time, he sealed the hattrick, and it was no more than he deserved. The Chelsea midfielder really is a workhorse and his team deserved their 3-1 win in Tel Aviv.

Israel are in the same group as Croatia and Greece, and it is likely that we will see the top 2 teams come from this trio. With Greece having dropped points via a draw with Georgia, Israel must now sieze the opportunity to go one better and get another win to leave them fighting for 1st, rather than 2nd.

This trip to Tbilisi will be made without striker Etey Schechter, who has a hamstring tear. Avihai Yadin, who plays with him at Hapoel Tel-Aviv, will be added to the team, having been suspended for the match with Malta.

Israel coach Luis Fernandez has a side that tends to play aggressive, and has in the past produced some very good displays against better opponents like Switzerland and France. They are not likely to sit back here and will take the fight to Georgia, going for the whole 3 points to keep them competitive with Croatia, who are good value to beat Greece in the other match.

BETTING VERDICT

Yossi will lead the team as he always does, and this one will not be that boring, seeing as we will see a lot of attack. I can see Israel scoring first, before winning 1-0 or perhaps 2-1.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Israel to win

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Israel to win @ 2.40 (Bet365)

Consider Israel to win by exactly 1 goal @ 3.75 (Bet365)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Israel +0 AH at 1.75 (Pinnacle) - MAIN BET