Latvia vs Israel Predictions

Latvia have the home advantage in Friday nights Euro 2020 qualifier, but have only beaten Israel once in six previous encounters, and head into the match in the midst of a ten game winless run. Israel look like they could qualify for their first ever European Championships as they sit second after two games with four points to their name and have a balanced squad.

Latvia only had 31% of the possession in their last qualifier away at Poland, but still managed to have thirteen shots during the ninety minutes. In the end though, the host’s pressure told as Poland scored twice late on through Lewandowski and Glik to claim a 2-0 win. A early goal from Arnautović saw Israel fall behind at home to Austria last time out, but a Zahavi brace ensured the hosts lead 2-1 at the interval. Zahavi claimed his hat trick and with it the match balled ten minutes into the second half to increase Israel’s lead, and Dabour made it 4-1 in the sixty-sixth minute. Arnautović pulled another goal back to make it 4-2, but it proved too little, too late for the Austrians.

The head to head record between these two countries and their form and performances since the back end of 2018, all point towards both teams scoring on Friday and Israel claiming the three points. Israel have won four of their six matches against Latvia, and four of the six encounters between the pair have seen both teams score. Latvia are without a win in their last ten international matches, while Israel have only lost one of their last six. Both teams have scored in three of Latvia’s and four of Israel’s last six matches, which is why we’re backing the visitors to claim a 3-1 win on Friday and maintaining their unbeaten start to qualification.

Valērijs Šabala provides the main source of goals for Latvia, with the 24-year old netting twelve times in fifty-one appearances for his country, and is someone the Israeli defence will be more than aware of heading into Friday’s match. Israel are without their main striker Tomer Hemed through injury, so there is more pressure on the likes of Ben Sahar and Eran Zahavi to put the finishing touches to any attacking moves on Friday. We’re confident that Israel will win and both teams will score, and have predicted a final scoreline of 3-1. The visitors have a great record against their hosts and have started qualification positively, while Latvia are without a win in their last ten matches and wont be expected to challenge for one of the top two qualifying spots.