Ireland vs. Georgia: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Ireland hopes to build off an impressive showing in a 1-1 draw with England on Wednesday during a friendly against Georgia. It's the first match for Georgia since a 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat at the hands of France back in March.

The Boys in Green are gearing up for a key qualifier against the Faroe Islands next week. They are currently tied for second place in UEFA Group C, but trail Austria and Sweden due to tiebreakers. It leaves very little margin for error over the final five matches.

Georgia sits third in its qualifying group. Unfortunately for the Jvarosnebi, they are in the same group as both Spain and France, which have already pulled away from the Group I pack. They have another friendly, against Denmark, next week.

Let's take a look at all the important information for the friendly, followed by some players to watch and a match prediction.

Where: Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland

When: Sunday, June 2, at 12:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Sky Sports 2

Live Stream: Sky Go

Ireland Player to Watch: Shane Long

After a solid Premier League campaign, which saw Long tally eight goals and six assists, he began international duty with a bang. He provided Ireland's goal in the draw with England, a terrific header just inside the post on a pass from Seamus Coleman.

The West Bromwich Albion striker doesn't possess elite physical ability, but he makes up for it with an often extraordinary work rate. That was on full display against the Three Lions. He outworked multiple England defenders to get open for the goal.

Ireland will be looking for a similar showing from him against Georgia. Given the confidence they built up by hanging tough with the talented English side, it would be a serious setback if they aren't able to secure a positive home result.

Georgia Player to Watch: Aleksandr Kobakhidze

Kobakhidze has scored three goals in 11 appearances for Georgia. He was the only one to find the net against France in their last qualifier. It was the latest sign of progress for the 26-year-old winger, who plays for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The biggest problem Georgia faces is the lack of attacking talent. The Jvarosnebi have an experienced defense but lack the firepower to keep pace with sides like France. It's not an uncommon problem for smaller countries, of course.

Kobakhidze probably won't find much space to work against an Ireland back line that was able to slow down the England attack. The chances he does create, likely on the counterattack, must be converted for Georgia to earn at least a draw.

Matchup to Watch: Ireland Attack vs. Georgia Defense

Long isn't the only dangerous member of the Ireland attack. Veteran striker Robbie Keane, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS, has scored 54 international goals, and Jon Walters was a rare offensive bright spot for Stoke City this past season.

The trio gives Ireland an underrated attacking group. The Boys in Green should be able to control possession and dictate the pace of the match. It will put a lot of pressure on the Georgia back line, but that's not uncommon.

Since the Jvarosnebi don't possess much talent in the midfield, they often lose the possession battle. It puts the onus on the Georgia defense, usually led by Zurab Khizanishvili, to make sure the scoring chances come from the outside.

While it should be a good matchup, ultimately Ireland should produce enough opportunities to score the home victory.

Prediction

Ireland 2, Georgia 0