Football Bet of the Day: Georgia on our minds

Gibraltar keeper Jordan Perez is having a tough time

After a winning start to the week, Kevin Hatchard's looking for more profit as the EURO 2016 qualifiers continue...

Gibraltar v Georgia
Tuesday October 14, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Interactive

We wanted three goals, and in the end we got four as Varese played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Cittadella, landing us a nice 2.3611/8 winner on the Over 2.5 Goals market. I celebrated with a slice of Tiramisu, which got my diet off to an abysmal start, but never mind. Incidentally, if Arsenal or Derby fans are wondering what pocket rocket Arturo Lupoli is up to these days, I can tell you he scored twice for Varese.

To the glamour of the EURO 2016 qualifiers now, and a clash between international new-boys Gibraltar and old hands Georgia. As you would expect, Gibraltar have struggled badly so far, losing 7-0 at home to Poland and then 7-0 in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.

A game against "Gib" is proving to be a great opportunity for strikers to boost their goal tallies - Poland's Robert Lewandowski helped himself to four goals, while the Republic's Robbie Keane bagged a 12-minute hat-trick.

These batterings are hardly surprising, as Gibraltar have only been a member of FIFA for just over a year. Their squad is the usual minnows' configuration of butcher/baker/candlestick maker, although it's notable that three of their squad ply their trade in England, including Preston defender Scott Wiseman.

When watching the highlights of both 7-0 defeats, it soon becomes obvious that Gibraltar lack leadership and organisation at the back, and they have been weakened by the retirement of Premier League veteran Danny Higginbotham. There are huge gaps in defence, and the chaotic nature of their play was summed up by this own goal by keeper Jordan Perez.

Georgia have lost their opening two games to Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, but Temuri Ketsbaia's side played well in both games, even if they struggled to carve out many chances. And yes, Ketsbaia is the bald guy who tried to smash up the advertising hoardings after scoring for Newcastle.

Georgia are usually very well organised - they held France to a 0-0 draw in World Cup 2014 qualifying, and conceded just three goals in two games against Spain. The question is whether they can score goals, but against this Gibraltar side they should be able to dominate possession and manufacture some chances. Ketsbaia is putting together a young side that's keen to impress, and this is a rare opportunity to record a convincing win.

Backing the Georgia win to nil makes sense at 1.594/7, as Ketsbaia's side don't give much away, but I fancy a comfortable road win here. Gibraltar aren't even playing at home - they've been moved to Faro in Portugal because they don't have a suitable stadium - and this should be stroll for Georgia. Back them -2.5 on the Asian Handicap.

Recommended Bet
Back Georgia -2.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.9110/11

2014 P/L (1pt per bet)

Points Staked: 36

Points Returned: 36.12

P/L: +0.12 points