Few would have predicted Georgia to top their group which included Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium but the hosts have upset the odds at the U21 Euro Championships.
The Georgians were undefeated in Group A and are aiming to become the first host nation to triumph since the Netherlands in 2007.
Over 40,000 fans have turned up at the Boris Paichadze Stadium in Tbilisi for their last two matches as the young Georgians have caught imagination of the public and that’s the venue for tonight’s quarter-final showdown with Israel where they’re closing in on selling out the 54,000 capacity stadium.
The Israelis sneaked a place in the last eight thanks to a late winner against Czech Republic but there’s a real spirit and quality about this side which is making history for the nation. Several of the squad reached last year’s U19 Euro final, losing out to England in extra-time. They then finished 3rd in the U20 World Cup earlier in June, losing out to eventual winners, Uruguay, in the semi-final so they’re not to be taken lightly.
After a bit of money has come for the hosts Bet365 have shortened Georgia to 13/10 favourites with Israel at 9/4.
Israel won the last meeting between the sides 2-1 back in November but both sides have proven tough to beat recently and with so much at stake this could go the distance. The draw appeals at 9/4.
In tonight’s other quarter-final Spain are expected to ease past Switzerland.
The Spaniards cruised through Group B and remain favourites to lift the trophy, alongside England, at 3/1.
Whereas the Swiss benefited from some convoluted qualification rules where their opening match win over Norway was enough to see them finish second in Group D.
Defeats to Italy (2-3) and France (1-4) suggest they’re not of a level to threaten Spain and the 2/5 looks solid enough. A first-half lead for the Spanish could be a better option at 10/11.
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- World Football Tips: USL Championship and Allsvenskan Betting Predictions
- Football Bet of the Day: Kick Off the Month in South Korea
- Sat 17:00 Georgia U21 vs Israel U21
- Sat 20:00 Spain U21 vs Switzerland U21
- Sun 17:00 England U21s vs Portugal U21s
Super Single
- Georgia v Israel – Draw 9/4 Bet365
Racing Tips
We’re delighted to have Cairnzy step in for the next week as Rizzel takes a well-earned break. He kicks off with a couple of selections from Newcastle.
As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Saturday’s Top Tips: U21s Proving a Big Draw in Georgia appeared first on MrFixitsTips.