Riga vs Ararat-Armenia Predictions
Riga will need a superb performance if they are to turn around a two-goal deficit on Tuesday.
While that is sure to prove a big ask, I do fancy the hosts to at least win on the night.
Riga in Fine Form
- Riga won 9 of their last 11 matches
- Riga won 9 of their last 14 home matches (European competitions)
Riga and Ararat Set For Second Encounter
Riga and Ararat-Armenia will meet for the second time on Tuesday. Ararat claimed a 2-0 win in last week’s first-ever meeting in Armenia.
Riga Need Big Response
Riga return to Skonto Stadium knowing they need a major improvement to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.
After a goalless first half at Abovyan City Stadium, Adrian Gula’s side will have been frustrated to leave Armenia empty-handed.
Riga’s task was made even harder by the dismissal of goalkeeper Frenks Orols in the 72nd minute.
The Latvians had won eight of their previous nine matches before the trip to Abovyan and must now win by two clear goals to give themselves a chance this week.
An excellent home record in European competitions should give the Latvians confidence this week. Riga won nine of their last 14 home continental fixtures.
The Latvians enjoyed a strong Conference League qualifying run last season, reaching the play-off round before suffering a narrow 2-1 aggregate defeat against Sparta Prague.
Ararat-Armenia In Control
Ararat-Armenia put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the second round of Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win against Riga in last week’s first leg.
The Armenian champions made the most of home advantage, with second-half goals from Hugo Oliveira and Carlos Franca securing a priceless first-leg victory.
Yet to kick off their domestic campaign, Ararat began their season with back-to-back pre-season draws against Serbian opponents Mura and Vojvodina.
Competing in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since 2020, the Armenians have never reached the group phase in European competition.
Manuel Tulipa’s side reached the third round of Conference League qualifying last season before slipping to a 6-2 aggregate defeat against Sparta Prague.
Riga vs Ararat-Armenia Team News
Riga FC: (4-2-3-1) Krisjanis Zviedris; Andres Salazar, Karl Wassom, Antonijs Cernomordijs, Raivis Jurkovskis; Ahmed Ankrah, Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand; Meissa Diop, Iago Siqueira, Raki Aouani; Reginaldo Ramires
Riga are unable to call on Frenks Orols after the goalkeeper was sent off in the first leg. Krisjanis Zviedris is expected to deputise.
Reginaldo Ramires should continue to lead the attack as the Latvians chase a two-goal deficit.
Ararat-Armenia: (4-2-3-1) Joao Bravim; Hugo Oliveira, Alexandros Malis, Luis Felipe, Bruno Pereira; Alwyn Tera, Welton; Artur Serobyan, Armen Ambartsumyan, Zhirayr Shaghoyan; Sandro Lima
Ararat-Armenia are unlikely to make major changes after their 2-0 first-leg win.