Georgia grabbed a well-earned draw with Denmark last month, but much like the last match against Ireland in Tbilisi, the home side were left rueing late chances to record a historic victory.
Ireland's opponents have been getting steadily better year-on-year since Aiden McGeady’s last-minute winner back in 2014, and while Vladimir Weiss’ side have yet to beat the Irish, they will fancy their chances on Saturday.
This Georgia side have become a very well-organised unit who are more than capable of playing attractive, attacking football, and have caused other strong European teams issues over the past five years.
Georgia famously defeated Spain 1-0 in a warm-up match ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament, and drew away from home with Austria and Wales in the 2018 World Cup qualifying group. They also beat Scotland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
They do, however, also have the habit of failing to show up in certain matches and over the last 12 months they have lost 5-1 to Denmark and failed to beat Andorra in the UEFA Nations League.
Ireland will be hoping that this Georgia side have already enjoyed their "big" result from this campaign, with the scoreless draw with Denmark, and with no chance of qualifying out of the group, they will not be at their best for the visit of Mick McCarthy’s side.
The home side, however, were still able to name a strong squad for this week’s double-header – they play Gibraltar on Tuesday – with just the one player unavailable in a largely unchanged squad from the one that earned the point against Denmark.
Ferencvaros’ Lasha Dvali is out injured, while experienced Dinamo Batumi defender Giorgi Navalovski has been added to the squad.
Weiss will be able to name an unchanged side for the visit of Ireland, which means that the very capable forward four of Tornike Okriashvili, Jano Ananidze, Valeri Qazaishvili and Giorgi Kvilitaia should all start.
Otar Kiteishvili and Giorgi Aburjania should marshal the midfield and allow the aforementioned quartet to attack, as they did with real potency against Denmark, most notably in the final 20 minutes.
Georgia’s main issue come in defence and are often found wanting once they come under any sustained amount of pressure.
Yet still, they appear to be full of confidence going into this game against old foes Ireland.
"Of course, Ireland are tough opponents and unfortunately, we still have not won against them," said striker Kvilitaia earlier this week, who should play despite injury concerns.
"Our last home match of the year is against them and we have hope we can win all three points for our fans."
Midfielder Aburjania is also confident ahead of the game and has sent out a call to arms for the Georgian fans to pack out the stadium.
"Ireland are difficult opponents, but I think the time has come to be successful against them and play for the fans," said the FC Twente man.
"I would like to call the fans to come to the stadium and support us. Their support is very important for each player of the national team."
Georgia (probable): George Loria; Otar Kakabadze, Guram Kashia (capt), Gia Grigalava, Jemal "Jimmy" Tabidze; Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Aburjania; Tornike Okriashvili, Jano Ananidze, Valeri Qazaishvili; Giorgi Kvilitaia.
Follow Georgia v Republic of Ireland via our live blog on RTÉ.ie and the News Now app, watch live on RTÉ2 from 1.45pm or listen to full commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 from 1.50pm.
