Latvia vs Wales tips: Robert Page's troops can triumph under huge pressure in Riga
- Robbie Savage
- 11 September 2023
Planet Sport Bet's Robbie Savage has his say on Wales' crucial clash with Latvia on Monday evening.
It's a must win game this evening for Wales in Latvia.
Robert Page and his team have to go there and win if they've got any hopes of qualifying for the European Championships.
Wales are not on a good run at all; one win in the last 13, and that came against Latvia.
In the two previous matches against Latvia, one of those games I played in, it's two wins from two for Wales.
Latvia haven't won in six so there's loads of pressure on Robert Page and Wales.
I think they're gonna go to Latvia, with both teams to score and a two one win for Wales.
Robbie's Pick: Latvia 1 Wales 2
Key stats:
- Wales have one win in last 13 games
- Latvia have lost last six and not kept a clean sheet in nine
- Wales haven't won away in last six matches
- Wales have a perfect record against Latvia - two wins from two games
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Wales fortunes have plummeted since the 2022 World Cup and Page faces a potentially make-or-break Euro 2024 qualifier in Riga.
Wales must beat bottom side Latvia – who are yet to register a point in Group D – to keep alive hopes of a top-two place and automatic qualification for next summer’s finals in Germany.
Wales warmed up for their trip to Latvia with a goalless draw against South Korea on Thursday.
Page said he saw plenty of positive signs during that Cardiff clash and Wales were further boosted by Friday’s set of results in their qualifying section.
Group favourites Croatia left Latvia dispirited with a 5-0 thrashing, while Turkey and Armenia drew 1-1.
Wales would draw level on points with Armenia if they win in Riga and Croatia do likewise in Yerevan – and move within three points of Turkey with a game in hand.
Latvia are ranked a lowly 134 in world football but only lost their opening three games by a single goal margin.
Two of those defeats against Armenia and Turkey were the result of stoppage-time winners, with Wales overcoming them 1-0 at Cardiff in March through Kieffer Moore’s first-half header.
Latvia ship goals and Wales should capitalise in Riga and put their bad away run behind them.
