Latvia vs North Macedonia

Skonto Stadium is the venue as Latvia and North Macedonia go head-to-head in a low-profile UEFA Nations League clash.

Latvia’s first-ever campaign in League C was off to a disappointing start as Armenia hammered them 4-1 in their curtain-raising Group C4 fixture. However, a glimmer of hope appeared at the end of the tunnel in the last round, with a 1-0 home win against the Faroe Islands handing Latvia their second triumph in three matches. However, since earning promotion from League D in September 2022, the ’11 Wolves’ have entered 14 internationals as underdogs, friendlies included, losing 12 (W1, D1). If it’s any consolation, the only victory in that run came at this venue against Armenia in Euro 2024 qualifying. No matter the result, this should be a tight contest, considering seven of Lativa’s last eight outings have featured under 2.5 goals.

On the other hand, North Macedonia held the Faroe Islands to a 1-1 draw on artificial turf at the start of their third consecutive League C campaign before defying a numerical disadvantage to beat Armenia 2-0 at home on matchday two. Interestingly, seven members of North Macedonia’s starting line-up in a 2-0 win on Latvian soil in Euro 2020 qualifying in September 2019 feature in Blagoja Milevski’s October call-up. As such, the visitors will expect nothing less than three points as they bid to protect their 100% win ratio in this fixture (W3). However, they may not travel in a buoyant mood after suffering five defeats on their last six international road trips (D1), including friendlies.