Preview: Georgia vs. Uzbekistan - prediction, team news, lineups

Georgia end their international year with a friendly at home to Uzbekistan, looking to build on their two excellent victories during World Cup qualifying.

Meanwhile, the visitors head into this encounter looking to improve on a run of three defeats in four outings.

Match preview

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With Spain and Sweden in their World Cup qualifying group, it came as a surprise to no one when Georgia failed to challenge the top two of Group B.

However, this is a team on an upward trajectory under Willy Sagnol, and their performances have finally produced some rewards over the past month.

On the back of edging out Kosovo, Georgia recorded one of their all-time best results on Thursday as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Sweden.

Although it can be perceived that the pressure of edging out Spain for first place affected their opponents, all of the credit should go to Sagnol and his squad after two goals were netted during the final half-hour.

The Crusaders have now recorded back-to-back victories for the first time in three years, and they will expect to extend that record in Gori.

Having failed to progress in World Cup qualifying earlier this year, Uzbekistan have been left to participate in a number of friendlies.

In September, they gave a solid account of themselves against Sweden, only losing out by a 2-1 scoreline, and that display was backed up by hitting five goals past Malaysia.

Despite a disappointing 3-0 reverse to Jordan last time out, Srecko Katanec will feel that some of these experiences will eventually benefit his squad in the future.

Eldor Shomurodov is the star man of the group, the captain currently competing with Tammy Abraham for a starting role in the Roma attack.

Team News

Sagnol will almost certainly make some changes to his team, potentially handing starts to right-sided Grigol Chabradze and forward Davit Volkovi.

Luka Lochoshvili could come into a three-man backline, while one of Lazare Kupatadze or Luka Gugeshashvili should deputise between the sticks.

Having found himself in and out of the team at Stadio Olimpico, Shomurodov will welcome the opportunity to lead his country on Monday.

On the back of the 3-0 reverse against Jordan, alterations are expected with Abdulla Abdullaev and Khusniddin Alikulov both options in defence.

Igor Sergeev may also be considered for a starting spot alongside Shomurodov.

Georgia possible starting lineup:

Kupatadze; Lochoshvili, Khocholava, Kashia; Chabradze, Kvekveskiri, Gvilia, Azarovi; Tsitaishvili, Volkovi, Kvaratskhelia

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:

Suyunov; Alizhonov, Tursunov, Kobilov, Yuldoshev; Khamdamov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Bozorov; Umarov; Shomurodov

We say: Georgia 2-1 Uzbekistan

Giving the high of the previous game, it remains to be seen whether Georgia will line up with their best players. Nevertheless, we still expect the home side to prevail, potentially by the odd goal in three against opponents who will want to make an impression of their own.