Latvia vs Slovenia Predictions

Can Lativa climb off the bottom of their Euro 2020 qualification group when they host Slovenia this week? The hosts have kicked off with three straight losses, but they’re aiming to boost their campaign with a strong display in this clash. Meanwhile, Slovenia have work to do in order to make the Euros, following their winless return in the Nations League. Will we see the visitors return to form on Monday and claim all three points in Riga?

Latvia are already destined to fall short in their bid for a return to the Euros. They failed to win any of their six matches in the bottom tier of the Nations League, which included two clashes with Andorra. Latvia ended up level on four points with the Andorrans, which suggests they’re going backwards. In the last World Cup qualifying campaign Latvia bookended a tough campaign with wins home and away to Latvia. Other than that, they claimed one point in eight games. If they can’t even see off Andorra now, what chance do they stand this week?

Slovenia come here with ambitions of making the Euros, especially following their playoff defeat back in 2015. They came up short four years ago, while they won’t make the playoffs this year after being relegated from their Nations League group. Slovenia didn’t exactly take the competition seriously, with Jan Oblak sitting out of all six matches in their campaign. They struggled without the Atletico Madrid stopper, who is back as Slovenia chase a victory in Riga this week.

The visitors were in mixed form in the fight to make it to Russia, with their biggest result coming in the 0-0 draw with England at home. They were able to pick up four wins, while they will be using that as they attempt to return to the qualifying form for 2016. They impressed to finish up third in England’s group, which is a result they can potentially improve on this year.

They’re facing a Latvia side who lost seven in 10 in their last qualifying campaign. The hosts were beaten 3-0 by Israel and Georgia in their last two games here, while they’ve lost eight of their last 12 home games, which includes facing sides at their own level in the Nations League and friendlies. That points to home issues for Lativa, so we’re siding with the visitors in this clash.