Cyprus vs Latvia – News and Probable Lineups

Chipre will face Letônia in a League C, Group 2 matchup in the UEFA Nations League this coming Monday at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia.

The hosts remain unbeaten in their last couple of games, whereas Letônia is still looking to secure their first win in this competition.

Match overview

Chipre currently holds the second spot in the group with four points from three fixtures, trailing five points behind the group leaders, Montenegro, providing them a prime chance to narrow the gap.

Following a 2-1 defeat in their opening match against Montenegro, Akis Mantzios’s squad has managed to remain unbeaten in their last two outings, including a goalless draw against Letônia away from home.

Their morale was boosted by a commendable 2-0 win against Armênia in their most recent match, despite playing with 10 men for nearly the entire second half.

Chipre netted both of their goals within the first 32 minutes, with Leonidas Konomis and Andronikos Kakoullis finding the net, while their defensive resilience in the second half to keep a clean sheet will undoubtedly instill significant confidence.

Letônia secured a place in League C of the Nations League after defeating Gibraltar over two legs during the promotion-relegation playoffs, but their form has drastically declined since then.

The 11 Wolves have lost four out of their last five fixtures, with the only draw in that span, including losses to Lituânia and the Faroe Islands in the Baltic Cup.

Their Nations League campaign began with a 2-0 loss to Armênia, but they rebounded with a determined show in a goalless draw against Chipre on home soil.

However, Letônia faced a 2-1 setback against Montenegro in their latest encounter, placing them fourth in the standings with merely one point, as their lack of attacking potency is a significant issue, scoring only once while conceding four goals thus far.

Team News

Chipre will be without Kostas Pileas for this match after his red card against Armênia, likely seeing Giorgos Malekkidis stepping in at left-back.

Mantzios does not have any major injury issues and has little reason to alter a successful lineup, with players such as Andronikos Kakoullis, Marcus Edwards, and Loizos Loizou all performing superbly.

On the other hand, Letônia might implement a few changes, especially in defence, as Roberts Savalnieks picked up an injury in the previous encounter and is expected to be replaced by Raivis Jurkoxis.

With Danila Patijcuks also sustaining an injury in the last match, he might be rested, paving the way for Markuss Strods to enter the fray.

Roberts Uldrikis had a quiet game against Montenegro, and Nicolato may give VladislaxGutkoxis a chance to lead the attack and demonstrate his capabilities.

Chipre probable starting XI:

Fabiano? Konomis, Kyprianou, Panagiotou, Malekkidis; Andreou, Kastanos; Loizou, Edwards, Kakoullis; Pittas

Latvia probable starting XI:

Matrevic; Cirkin, Melnik, Cernomordy, Vienties, Jurkoxis; Ciganik, Zelenkox Vapne, Strod; Uldrik

Chipre seems to be in a better phase currently, yet they have not managed to defeat Letônia in their previous two encounters. Nevertheless, Letônia is experiencing a poor streak, and Chipre’s advantage at home makes them slight favorites to prevail in this clash.