Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Nations League match.
Latvia have a theoretical chance to win the group, but realistically, it's nearly impossible. First, they need to beat North Macedonia away with a margin of at least four goals and then defeat Armenia (which is feasible). However, they must also hope for North Macedonia to lose at home to the Faroe Islands.
North Macedonia
Why would the Balkan side lose to the Faroe Islands, who aren't suited for this league? A loss to Latvia isn't out of the question, but by such a scoreline? North Macedonia have rarely played at home this year, with just two matches. Against Armenia (2:0) in this Nations League and a friendly draw with Moldova (1:1). They've gone five matches unbeaten at home, including a draw with Italy (1:1). Their last home loss was in the Euro qualifiers against Ukraine (2:3). It's a stark contrast between a European Championship participant and a team that, just last season, was in League D of the Nations League.
Latvia
Indeed, Latvia were climbing their way up two years ago in a tussle with Moldova. They managed that then, but now they face North Macedonia with Bundesliga player Elif Elmas, who spent five years at Napoli, goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in his fifth La Liga season, and Bojan Miovski, who recently moved from Scotland to Champions League side Girona. North Macedonia are leading as expected, having won the pivotal battle against Armenia.
North Macedonia vs Latvia Prediction
North Macedonia are bound to defeat Latvia. In fact, they will do so with a margin of at least two goals. North Macedonia haven't won by less than this margin in this Nations League.
