Latvia can't be promoted from Group C2 of the UEFA Nations League (UNL), but they can spoil top-of-the-table Montenegro's chances of automatic promotion to League B when they meet on matchday five in Podgorica.
Match News and Current Form
After back-to-back seasons in League B, Montenegro have made an unbeaten start to life in League C this term (W3, D1). The Brave Falcons have already secured a top-two finish, while victory here, coupled with Cyprus dropping points, would seal an immediate promotion. A 0-0 draw against Armenia on matchday four ended their 100% winning record in this UNL campaign though and has raised concerns for manager Mirko Vučinić, as Montenegro have won just two of their last seven UNL home games (D2, L3) and may need to improve on those results to move closer to promotion.
Latvia’s promotion hopes ended after a 2-1 loss to Cyprus on matchday four, leaving them with three defeats in four games this campaign (D1). The planned reduction to three leagues from four ahead of the 2028/29 competition has saved them from relegation though in their second consecutive appearance at this level. With only two victories in their last 17 internationals (D5, L10), the 11 Wolves are showing form worthy of finishing bottom of their group, while boss Paolo Nicolato has to address their away concerns, having lost three successive matches on the road, and a six-game winless run in Latvia’s UNL away group encounters (D2, L4) offers no comfort either.
Head-to-Head History
Montenegro have never lost a H2H (W3, D2), a record which includes a 2-1 win in October’s reverse fixture. The two draws have both come at home though.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Eight of Montenegro’s last 11 matches saw both teams score.
In non-goalless games, the country scoring first in Montenegro’s last ten matches won just four times.
Only 11 of Latvia’s last 34 matches saw both teams score.
Six of Latvia’s last seven UNL goals were scored after the hour mark.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Stevan Jovetić is yet to score in this UNL campaign, but a goal from him would be good news for Montenegro, as his four strikes in the competition have come in three clean-sheet wins for them. Vladislavs Gutkovskis assisted Latvia’s last goal and has since stepped up with five goal contributions (G4, A1) in six matches at club level.
Montenegro’s Stefan Lončar is suspended after being sent off against Armenia, while Latvia appear to be close to full strength.
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Betting Analysis
Latvia have failed to score in nine of their last 17 games, making a Montenegro clean-sheet win an attractive option here.
Author: Sridhar Bhamidi
