Georgia Vs Ukraine Team News: Kvaratskhelia Starts As Captain While Zabarnyi Benched

The fortunes of the two Paris Saint-Germain players provide a sharp contrast. At the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, the 25-year-old forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wears the armband. Meanwhile, 24-year-old defender Ilya Zabarnyi remains on the bench. This setup protects the Ukrainian centre-back while building match fitness for Paris's attacking leader.

For his first competitive match in the Georgia dugout following the departure of Willy Sagnol, head coach Ramaz Svanadze sets up in a 4-3-3 shape. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili starts behind a back four made up of Otar Kakabadze, Saba Goglichidze, Luka Lochoshvili, and Lasha Dvali. In midfield, Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Kochorashvili, and Giorgi Chakvetadze anchor the play behind the frontline. According to UEFA's official line-up, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia lines up in attack alongside Georges Mikautadze and Giorgi Tsitaishvili.

On the opposing side, the head coach opts for a 3-4-1-2 formation. He places Paris Saint-Germain defender Ilya Zabarnyi on the bench according to UEFA's official line-up. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin starts the match protected by a defensive trio of Valerii Bondar, Eduard Sarapii and Taras Mykhavko. The flanks are trusted to Oleksandr Zubkov and Bohdan Mykhailichenko, while Yehor Nazaryna and Oleksandr Pikhalionok take charge of central midfield.

The Ukraine attack has to manage without Oleksandr Nazarenko. The winger is suspended following his red card against Hungary. Playmaker Maksym Khlan directly supports Matvii Ponomarenko and Vladyslav Vanat, with Aliyar Aghayev officiating the clash. Resting Ilya Zabarnyi is excellent news for PSG. It preserves their defensive rotation ahead of the upcoming battles.