Latvia vs. Wales: preview and betting tips

Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifying programme in Germany will feature Latvia playing Wales. Both teams are worried about what to expect from the match between the fourth and fifth team in the group and, what to bet on?

Latvia are the group’s underdogs so far. It has lost all four of its qualifying matches, most recently getting a five-pointer at Croatia. Logically, this means last place in the table and seven points behind the qualification.

The Welsh are not doing much better. They have only four points in four matches, for example they lost 2:4 at home to Armenia. They are now three points behind the top two, with Croatia in second place having a game in hand.

Latvia’s key figures

In the absence of their biggest mainstay Vladislavs Gutkovskis, the home side rely on Janis Ikaunieks, who boasts an 11+5 record in 18 games of the domestic league season. Riga teammate Arturs Zjuzins has contributed four goals (1+3) from the midfield.

Key figures for Wales

Brennan Johnson shone in Nottingham’s attack last year, and this summer he moved to Tottenham for €55 million. Back in the Fulham starting line-up after a niggling injury is winger Harry Wilson.

Latvia are not doing well at all, having lost their last six games through all competitions, and have been waiting for a win for a total of nine games. Their last win came last June against amateur side Liechtenstein.

Wales are reeling from the end of Gareth Bale’s career, having won just one of their five games since his departure. The problems have been primarily in attack, as the Islanders have only scored more than once in two of their five games.

Considering Latvia’s negative record in the previous games and the fact that Wales have to work hard if they want to think about promotion, I think the Islanders will confirm their role as favourites and take all the points.

Betting tip l Wales to win