- Riga FC are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions (Won 5, 15 goals scored).
- FK Vardar Skopje are unbeaten away in 4 matches this season in all competitions (Won 3, Drawn 1).
- Iago Siqueira is the main man for Riga FC, the Brazilian has bagged 2 goals in 1 game to top their UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 scoring charts.
Chess in Latvia
A 7/10 stake in the No bet in this game seems a little low given Riga FC's status as the bookies' clear favourite for this tie at 1/4, as is the 4/1 on the Draw, whilst 57/100 is even shorter than the 5/4 on Under 2.5 Goals. This game should fall nicely into Riga's rhythm if they can keep the turnovers down, but Vardar's more direct style should provide the necessary contrast to ensure the hosts don't make it a walk in the park.
Vardar have scored an average of 3.00 goals per game on their travels across all competitions this term and have only conceded 0.50, so they have the bite to travel to Latvia with a chance of doing some damage. Adrián Guľa has moulded Riga FC into a modern, possession-first side that can deploy a 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3 system, depending on the game, and they press well in an attempt to dominate matches.
Cristian Fabbiani has the opposite philosophy and will have Vardar set up in a direct 4-4-2, built for verticality, pace on the pitch, and physicality in the transitions. The home side are very potent at their Skonto Stadium stomping ground, coming into this with 3 wins from their last 3 in all competitions, including a 3-1 Virsliga 2026 success over Tukums 2000 and a 3-2 win away to Vardar earlier today in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
Vardar will ensure the home team don’t win to nil
Riga are clearly the most likely side to win this one overall, but Vardar's away form this term suggests they can be competitive enough to avoid being blown away here. The Macedonians have won 3 and drawn 1 of their 4 away matches this year, so the 7/1 seems too big on them to avoid defeat at least.
Riga have won 8 of their last 10 matches in all competitions, which is serious front-running form, but Vardar have 7 wins from their last 10 and arrive in the Latvian capital with a live chance. They edged out KuPS in extra-time 2-0 away from home in their UEFA Champions League Qualification 2026 tie last time out, having lost to Riga 3-2 just 24 hours prior.
