Riga go in search of history when they journey to Pafos in the UEFA Conference League, and some solid recent form should fuel belief that their trip to Cyprus will be one to remember.
Match News and Current Form
Results have been a mixed bag for Pafos of late, and they’ve had a day less than their visitors to prepare for this clash following their game against APOEL on Monday. That followed on from their 3-1 defeat against Atalanta on matchday one, but they’d be forgiven for expecting better on home turf, where they’ve lost just one of their last 14 European games (W9, D4), and even that was against Bayern Munich! They’ve been particularly strong at home in the main draw of this competition, winning each of their last four such games, although they were never overly convincing in victory as three of those came by just a single-goal margin.
With three Virsliga games remaining, Riga still have a chance of retaining their Latvian top-flight crown following a 2-1 win at the weekend, but they are playing catch-up to RFS. Their domestic quest will have to be put on hold while their Conference League campaign resumes following a 1-1 draw against Kairat Almaty on matchday one, a result which forms part of an eight-match unbeaten competitive run (W5, D3). Getting back in the win column would see them make history here, as no Latvian team has ever won an away game in major European competition (D4, L18).
Head-to-Head History
Pafos have never faced Latvian opposition before, nor have Riga ever played a side from Cyprus.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Only one of Pafos’ five main draw Conference League home games saw both teams score.
Pafos have only kept one clean sheet in their last 11 European matches.
Only one of Riga’s last 12 games was settled by more than a one-goal margin.
Only one side committed fewer fouls than Riga on Conference League matchday one.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Anderson Silva has contributed to a goal in each of his last two games in major European competition (G1, A1), and could now become the first-ever Pafos player to score or assist in three consecutive such matches. Riga’s Iago Siqueira was on target at the weekend but may have to be patient here since only one of his last six club goals arrived before half-time.
David Luiz picked up a knock against Atalanta but could feature here, while Orlando Galo has missed Riga’s last four games.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
It’s difficult to look beyond Pafos’ impressive home form in this competition, so backing them to win looks a shrewd pick.
Author: Chris Wilson
