In the realm of international friendlies, the upcoming clash between Latvia and Liechtenstein on March 26, 2024, at the Stadio Antonis Papadopoulos, holds a unique allure.
Both teams are on a quest for their first wins of the year, bringing an intriguing dynamic to the match.
Current Form
Latvia's Current Form
Latvia, affectionately known as the 11 Wolves, managed a commendable draw against Cyprus in their initial match of the March international break.
This marked their first positive result since mid-October, ending a losing streak in their European Championship qualifying campaign against formidable opponents like Turkey, Croatia, and Poland.
Despite finishing at the bottom of their Euro qualifying group, Latvia's performance in the 2022-23 Nations League was noteworthy.
They finished top of their group, securing a spot in League C alongside teams like the Faroe Islands, North Macedonia, and Armenia for later this year.
Liechtenstein's Current Form
Conversely, Liechtenstein has faced a challenging period, with a record of 24 consecutive losses across competitive and friendly fixtures.
Their last match saw a heavy defeat against the Faroe Islands, emphasising the uphill battle they face in improving their standings.
Team News
Latvia Team News
Latvia is expected to experiment with their lineup to gauge the squad's capabilities ahead of their Nations League C campaign.
Players like Vitalijs Jagodinskis and Roberts Savalnieks might start in defence, while midfielder Marko Regza is likely to secure his eighth cap following his assist against Cyprus.
Liechtenstein Team News
Liechtenstein, seeking rejuvenation after their recent defeat, might introduce changes, including in the goalkeeper position.
This could see Lorenzo Lo Russo making his debut at age 30, stepping in for Benjamin Buchel.
Scoreline Prediction
Given the current forms and team news, the prediction leans towards a Latvia win:
Latvia 2-0 Liechtenstein
FAQs
When is the match scheduled? March 26, 2024.
Where is the match taking place? Stadio Antonis Papadopoulos.
What's at stake for both teams? Both teams are looking for their first wins of the year.
Any players to watch? Marko Regza for Latvia, given his recent performance.
Any significant team changes? Latvia might experiment with their lineup, while Liechtenstein could see a change in the goalkeeper position.