Latvia and Malta meet at Daugavas Stadionā, in a match for this phase of the UEFA Nations League (League D). In this match, the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.
Latvia :
The home team is currently in 2nd position, with 3 points won, after 3 draws. In the penultimate match, they tied in an away match against Malta by (1‑1). In the last match, they tied in an away match against the Faroe Islands, by (1‑1). This is a stronger team with the support of its fans, since in the last 30 games it has recorded 7 draws and 8 losses as a visitor, with 8 goals scored and 24 suffered; against 3 victories, 3 draws and 9 defeats in his stadium, with 9 goals scored and 28 suffered. In their last 7 home games Latvia has recorded 1 win, 1 draw and 5 losses. The team allowed the opponent goals in 8 of the last 10 games, so there are defensive processes that need to improve. This is a team that scores few times in the first place and that only managed to open the scoring in 3 of its last 15 games, of these 3 it reached the break in advantage by 1 and won at the end of the 90 ‘in 1. In 15 games, never he got the comeback in the 10 games in which he suffered the first goal.
Latvia comes to this game after a 1-1 draw in the visit to the Faroe Islands, which added the third draw in this League of Nations D: Janis Ikaunieks was the author of the only goal of the team. Coach Dainis Kazakevics must organize the team into a 4-3-3, prioritizing maintenance of possession and attacks through the flanks: Janis Ikaunieks will be the team’s master, this player being the owner of enormous technical quality. It should be noted that the Latvians present some difficulties in defensive organization and finishing. For this game the coach can count on all his players.
Malta :
The visiting team is currently in the 3rd position, with 2 points won, after 2 draws and 1 defeat. In the penultimate match, they drew at home against Latvia by (1‑1). In the last match, they tied in an away match against Andorra, by (0‑0). This is a stronger team with the support of its fans, since in the last 30 games it has registered 3 draws and 12 losses as a visitor, with 6 goals scored and 36 suffered; against 2 victories, 4 draws and 9 defeats in his stadium, with 10 goals scored and 33 suffered. In the last 8 away matches for all competitions, Malta has drawn 2 and lost 6. Their defense has not been very strong as they have conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. This is a team that tends to score few times first: it only opened the scoring in 3 of its last 15 games, of these 3 it reached the break with an advantage in 2 and won at the end of the 90 ‘in 2. In 15 games, it suffered the first goal 11 times and never got the comeback.
Malta comes to this game after a 0-0 draw in the visit to Andorra, thus registering the second consecutive game without losing in this League of Nations D. Coach Devis Mangia must act in 3-4-3, privileging the organization defensive and flank counterattacks. Left winger Luke Gambin excels in this Maltese team and is very strong on the counter. For this game the coach can count on all his players.
