In the first game, Latvia secured the narrowest of wins (1:0), giving them an advantage ahead of the return leg. In the Nations League, the team performed poorly – four points and bottom spot in a group where they conceded almost two goals per game on average. However, against outsiders of Gibraltar’s level, Latvia’s players are still of a higher class. Despite the win, the performance raised questions: over the entire match, the Latvians managed only two shots on target. It is also worth noting that this victory was the Baltic side’s first in their last five matches in the competition.
- In 12 Nations League home matches, the national team have recorded three wins (four draws, five defeats).
- The Latvians have scored in six of their last seven home matches in this tournament.
- Latvia have conceded at least one goal in seven of their previous nine Nations League matches.
Potential Latvia Lineup (4-5-1)
Rihards Matrevics – Andrey Tsyganik, Roberts Savalnieks, Raivis Jurkovskis, Roberts Veips – Denis Melnik, Renars Varslavans, Dmitriy Zelenkov, Lukass Vapne, Janis Ikaunieks – Vladislavs Gutkovskis
Gibraltar Form
Gibraltar came close to earning a draw in the first leg, losing only because of a penalty (0:1). In their Nations League group, the team avoided defeat, but the level of opposition there was clearly weaker. The main issue for Scott Wiseman’s side is away matches. In their last 11 Nations League away games, the team have scored just four goals, while conceding 21 over the same stretch. Now, however, they need to score at least once to have any chance of taking the tie to extra time, but they have major problems in attack.
- In 11 Nations League away matches, the national team have recorded two wins (three draws, six defeats).
- At least one team failed to score in nine of Gibraltar’s last 11 away matches in this tournament.
- No more than two goals were scored in six of Gibraltar’s previous seven Nations League games.
Potential Gibraltar Lineup (5-4-1)
Jaylan Hankins – Kai Mauro, Ethan Jolley, Jayce Olivero, Bernardo Lopes, Kian Ronan – James Scanlon, Graeme Torilla, Nicholas Pozo, Julian Del Rio – Jayden Bartolo
