Friday 10/10/2014, 21:45, Euro 2016 Qualification, Latvia vs Iceland

Latvia vs Iceland Preview

Iceland took everyone by surprise last month when they defeated Turkey at home, with the most impressive part being that they scored three times without conceding. Latvia on the other hand settled for one point in Kazakhstan, against a team that took few chances upfront and was never truly dangerous. This time, the hosts should be trying to go for the three points, since any chance of advancing from the group stage depend on this match.

Latvia vs Iceland Odds

At Unibet

Latvia 3.80, Draw 3.40, Iceland 2.15

Latvia vs Iceland Tips

Latvia had home pitch advantage against Lithuania and Armenia in the last two official games and prevailed on both occasions, without allowing a single goal. They are not the best offensive team, but they know how to defend a narrow win and it all comes down to how well they perform in the first half.

Sabala and Rudnevz are the two players that manager Pahars plans on using tonight, despite the fact that they were far from impressive against Kazakhstan. The thing that he will need to address quickly is ball possession, because his players seem incapable of passing the ball fluently over the course of the game.

Iceland is a dangerous opponent if given the chance to send a hail of balls to the net, with two players standing out from the crowd. Sigorsson and Bovarsson overwhelmed the Turkish defense when the game was played in the Nordic country and both of them are fit to play and expected to feature tonight.

The problem with Iceland is that their offensive is much better than the backline and all that Latvia needs to do is to take some chances early on. After the World Cup 2014 concluded, they played several friendly games and all of them were lost, due to the fact that opponents played without pressure and didn't hesitate to throw everything they've got at Iceland's defenses.

Key Facts

• Latvia didn't allow a goal in the last four games and won twice, despite scoring just three goals over the span.
• In the head to head games Latvia has a slight advantage, but more important is the fact that they won the last two qualifiers after scoring four goals in each match.

Latvia vs Iceland Prediction

The odds for a home win are spectacular with Unibet therefore definitely worth contemplating, despite the fact that Iceland played very well in September. Risk-averse punters who would gladly settle for slightly lower odds should take the double chance wager, with Latvia to win or draw enjoying odds of 1.75.

Bet: Latvia or Draw @ 1.75 with Unibet