In this preview, we focus on a match where North Macedonia hosts Latvia at the Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje for an international friendly on Thursday. This match serves as a vital warm-up for the home side, who face a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Wales next week. The Lions are currently in a strong position in their qualifying group, unbeaten in seven games and battling for a top spot. In stark contrast, Latvia is in a dreadful run of form, winless since March and coming off a humiliating 5-0 drubbing by England, making this an intriguing clash for bettors on Betano.
This comprehensive match preview will analyze the vast difference in form, motivation, and quality between these two sides. The Lions will be keen to build confidence with a victory, while Latvia is simply trying to stop the rot.
North Macedonia vs Latvia Match Preview/Betting Preview
Team Recent Form
This section highlights the last five competitive results for both nations, with the most recent result listed first.
- North Macedonia: DDWLW
- Latvia: LDLLD
Read More On: PREVIEW: Andorra vs Albania prediction
Key Stats
Here are three crucial statistics that bettors should consider before placing a wager:
- Perfect H2H Record: North Macedonia has a flawless record against Latvia. They have played each other five times since 2014 and North Macedonia has won all five matches.
- Latvia’s Goal Drought vs. Lions: In those five H2H meetings, Latvia has scored a total of just two goals, and has been kept scoreless in the last four consecutive encounters.
Correct Score Prediction
I predict a 2-0 correct score in favour of North Macedonia.
The data points overwhelmingly to a home win and a clean sheet. North Macedonia is a solid, well-drilled team under Blagoja Milevski and is playing with the confidence of an unbeaten qualifying campaign. They have the clear psychological edge, having beaten Latvia in every single meeting. Latvia, meanwhile, is at a low ebb, having conceded five to England and struggling to create.5 I expect the hosts to control the game, with key players like Elmas and Bardhi creating enough chances to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory as they tune up for their crucial qualifier.
North Macedonia vs Latvia H2H
- North Macedonia and Latvia have played five times.
- North Macedonia has won all five of those matches.
- The most recent meetings were in 2024, where North Macedonia won 1-0 at home and 3-0 away.
- Latvia has failed to score in their last three straight matches against North Macedonia.
Pre-game Odds
Here are the typical match result odds you can expect to find. These odds are for reference and are subject to change.
- North Macedonia: 1.639
- Draw: 4.20
- Latvia: 6.00
You can find the latest live odds for this North Macedonia vs Latvia match preview on the Betano platform.
Read More On: PREVIEW: SL Benfica Lisbon W vs FC Twente Enschede W prediction
Team News North Macedonia
Coach Blagoja Milevski has a full squad to choose from, with no new injuries or suspensions reported. As this is a final friendly before the decisive Wales qualifier, he is expected to field a strong side to maintain rhythm. This means key players like Napoli’s Eljif Elmas, Trabzonspor’s Enis Bardhi, and Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski should all feature heavily. Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski will be aiming for another clean sheet.
Team News Latvia
Latvia coach Paolo Nicolato is facing a difficult task. His team is devoid of confidence after a 5-0 loss to England and is struggling for goals and defensive stability. There are no new suspensions, but the team will be relying heavily on its senior players like captain Antonijs Černomordijs and forward Vladislavs Gutkovskis to try and provide some resistance against a superior opponent.
Predicted Line up
North Macedonia (3-4-1-2): Dimitrievski; Musliu, Zajkov, Serafimov; Alioski, Atanasov, Kostadinov, Ashkovski; Elmas; Bardhi, Miovski.
Latvia (4-4-2): Zviedris; Tsyganik, Balodis, Černomordijs, Jurkovskis; Zelenkovs, Saveljevs, Varslavans, Ikaunieks; Shits, Gutkovskis.
North Macedonia vs Latvia Betting Tips
Here are my three expert betting tips for this international friendly, based on the data and team news.
- Tip 1 – Result: North Macedonia to Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 Goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: No
Disclaimer: All betting tips and predictions are provided in good faith, based on our analysis and information. We cannot guarantee any winnings. Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly.
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+
