World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Jun 10, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Stadions Skonto

Latvia vs Albania

Match preview

When the two sides clashed, the home side were thoroughly outclassed by England, facing 27 shots, five big chances and over 3.5 xG, while they only created one big chance themselves.

Latvia drew 0–0 with Azerbaijan on 7 June in their most recent match, a game in which they kept their second clean sheet in three matches.

However, boss Paolo Nicolato will be concerned that his side have only scored three goals in their last seven matches, failing to score on four occasions.

The team's form has been poor, with the nation winning just one of their last seven matches and losing four.

Latvia are without a win in their last three home games, having lost two and won two.

Opponents Albania generated just 0.26 xG from open play against Serbia, though they also restricted them to less than 0.5 xG.

The visitors have played the hosts four times, with each match ending in a draw, including their most recent match in September 1999, which ended 3-3.

England top the group with nine points, occupying the only spot that automatically qualifies a nation for the World Cup. This means that head coach Sylvinho knows his side must finish second to qualify for the play-offs.

The Red and Blacks have mixed form, having won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games in all competitions. They have kept four clean sheets, but have only scored five goals.

Albania’s away record is also mixed, having lost two and won two of their last five away games.

Recent Performance

Latvia World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:WLD

Albania World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:LWD

Team News

Latvia could line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Raivis Jurkovskis, Antonijs Cernomordijs and Daniels Balodis playing as centre-backs.

The forwards, Alvis Jaunzems, Janis Ikaunieks and Vladislavs Gutkovskis, may be supported by a midfield two consisting of Aleksejs Saveļjevs and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs.

As for Albania, they may start with a back four comprising Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti, Ardian Ismajli and Mario Mitaj.

Sylvinho is likely to start with a double pivot of Kristjan Asllani and Juljan Shehu, supporting attackers Armando Broja, Qazim Laci, Arber Hoxha and Rey Manaj.

Possible starting lineup

Latvia possible starting lineup:

Zviedris; Jurkovskis, Cernomordijs, Balodis; Savaļnieks, Saveljevs, Zelenkovs, Ciganiks; Jaunzems, Ikaunieks; Gutkovskis

Albania possible starting lineup:

Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Ismajli, Mitaj; Asllani, Shehu; Broja, Laci, Hoxha; Manaj