- Team form: Vardar have won 8 of their last 10 games in all competitions, with one draw and one defeat.
- Opposition form: Riga FC are in equally good form, winning 4 of their last 5 and currently on a two-game winning streak.
Chess match or race of the two-game?
However, this will definitely be a close matchup and the fact that the draw isn't much of a favourite could be because the home side have been in strong form of late.
Cristian Fabbiani has brought an attacking edge to Skopje's set-up since taking over on 1 July 2026.
Vardar have won 8 of their previous 10 games, with one defeat and one draw.
Riga have structure but Vardar can counter
Riga's form
Riga FC have done the same, going 8-1-1 across their 10 since 14 January 2025, when coach Adrian Gula brought his structured and possession-based gameplan to the club.
Riga have also performed above the curve in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, beating FC Ararat-Armenia 3-2 away from home in the second leg to follow up their 1-0 home win.
They have won two, drawn one and lost one in their four away trips in all competitions, conceding only three times on the road.
Style contrast
The difference in the approaches of these two clubs couldn't be more clear, with Riga wanting structure and control while Vardar will be looking to break lines quickly and hit on the move.
They look much more vertical and transition-heavy under Fabbiani and, as such, this game may be a tempo battle rather than a cagey chess match.
Vardar's edge could secure the win
Vardar have been ruthless of late and look incredibly dangerous going forward, so I am glad that I'm on the side of the home team for this one.
- Vardar have won five of their six home games across all competitions, losing only once and conceding just four goals.
- Goran Zakaric is in fine form for the hosts with four goals in his last five appearances and is the most likely finisher of this game, while I am happy to take the spread odds because they look good, the game is likely to be close, and a draw would be a solid play in the moneyline too.
- Under 3.5 goals also looks a solid angle for this contest.
