Latvia vs Montenegro Betting Tips 02/10

Montenegro look to maintain momentum in Riga

Montenegro arrive in Riga with a clear sense of purpose, aiming to build on a perfect start to their UEFA Nations League C Group 2 campaign. They will face Latvia at the Skonto Stadium on Friday, 2 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time.

The visitors' attacking threat

Montenegro have demonstrated a potent ability to find the net, largely driven by the clinical finishing of Milutin Osmajic. With eight goals in his last ten appearances, Osmajic remains the focal point of a side that has shown remarkable resilience, successfully turning around four matches from a losing position during their recent run. Their current form suggests a team that is comfortable chasing a game, a trait that could prove vital in the challenging atmosphere of the Skonto Stadium.

Latvia's search for stability

Latvia find themselves in a period of transition, struggling to find consistency in the final third. Their recent goalless draw against Cyprus highlighted a defensive discipline that has kept them competitive, but they have failed to score in two of their last three outings. The hosts will need to find a way to unlock a resilient Montenegro backline if they are to secure their first points of this group stage.

Expected lineups and tactical shape

Latvia are expected to deploy a structured setup, with Vladislavs Gutkovskis and Roberts Uldrikis leading the line. The midfield trio of Lukass Vapne, Eduards Emsis, and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs will be tasked with controlling the tempo and shielding a back five that includes Andrejs Ciganiks and Dennis Cirkin.

Montenegro are expected to counter with an adventurous attacking formation featuring Nikola Krstovic and Milutin Osmajic. With Stefan Savic anchoring the defence, the visitors will look to utilise the creative influence of Marko Jankovic to feed their forward line. The absence of Adam Marusic due to injury remains a notable gap in their ranks, forcing a slight reshuffle in their tactical approach.

Historical context and competitive edge

Meetings between these two nations have historically been tight affairs, with Montenegro holding a slight historical advantage. Their most recent competitive encounter saw Montenegro secure a 2-1 victory in March 2021, though a 0-0 draw later that year proved that Latvia are capable of frustrating their opponents. With both teams looking to assert their dominance in the group, this match represents a significant opportunity for either side to take control of their destiny in the competition.