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

Georgia will make the short trip across the Black Sea this week for their international friendly against Romania on Wednesday evening.

With no international tournaments on the agenda for either side this summer, both managers will be looking to prepare their teams for the World Cup Qualifiers in early September.

Match preview

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Romania come into this friendly on the back of two consecutive defeats in their World Cup qualifying campaign, yet things are far from bleak for Mirel Radoi's men.

Against Armenia in late March, Romania were unfortunate not to come away with all three points after Alexandru Cicaldau put them 2-1 up in the second half, with Armenia scoring twice in the last four minutes of the tie.

Against Germany days earlier, Romania were beaten just 1-0, with Bayern Munich hotshot Serge Gnabry bagging the only goal of the game in the 16th minute.

Currently fourth in Group J, Romania are definitely not down and out and could certainly get their campaign back on track over the course of the year.

A positive result against Georgia - who are ranked 43rd in the FIFA world rankings - would no doubt do wonders for the confidence of Radoi's side.

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However, Georgia, who are ranked 91st in the FIFA world rankings, are not a straightforward side to beat and head coach Willy Sagnol will be looking to build some confidence ahead of their next World Cup qualifier.

Currently fourth in Group B with one point, Georgia's position in the group does not accurately reflect the stoic nature and dogged resolve of Sangol's men.

Both Sweden and Spain have struggled against Georgia, with both sides emerging from their respective qualifiers with just narrow wins.

Against Greece last time out, Georgia picked up their first and only point of the campaign so far, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia bagging a goal for his nation in an uninspiring 1-1 draw.

Team News

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It is unlikely that Radoi will tinker too much with his starting lineup particularly after his side's strong performances earlier this year.

Man of the moment Cicaldau is expected to retain his spot in attack for Romania, while skipper Vlad Chiriches could maintain his spot at the heart of the defence.

After picking up their first point in qualifying last time out, Sangol is unlikely to make too many changes to his team this time around.

Kvaratskhelia and Saba Lobzhanidze are expected to flank Budu Zivzivadze in the attack.

Romania possible starting lineup:
Nita; Mogos, Chiriches, Tosca, Bancu; Man, Stanciu, Cicaldau, Marin, Maxim; Puscas

Georgia possible starting lineup:
Loria; Kakabadze, Kashia, Dvali, Giorbelidze; Lobzhanidze, Kankava, Kiteishvili, Aburjania, Kvaratskhelia; Zivziadze

We say: Romania 2-1 Georgia

This could turn out to be quite a dogged contest between two lacklustre sides, but we think Romania have a bit more firepower to see them over the line here.