World Cup Qualification 2026: Latvia-Serbia, the likely lineups

An unprecedented challenge between Latvia and Serbia, both paired on 4 points in Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, is staged at the Daugavas stadions in Riga. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. It is the first time the two national teams will face each other in an official match, placed in a group that also includes England, Albania and Andorra.

Paolo Nicolato has to deal with several absences. Between the posts will be Zvidries with Orols taking the place of Ozols, who is not at his best, from the bench. In defense, Birka and Sliede are out, while midfield will again miss captain Tobers due to injury, as will striker Uldrikis. Space will therefore be made for Varslavans, Saveljevs and Zelenkovs in the middle of the field, while Ikaunieks and Gutkovskis will be in attack.

Dragan Stojković also has to deal with a major unknown: Mitrović is in strong doubt. Should he make it, he would flank HCL’s Dusan Vlahovic in the offensive tandem. Behind them, the support of Atalanta talent Lazar Samardžić is likely, with Maksimović and Lukic manning the midfield. On the outsides, Zivkovic and Terzic are ready.

Probable lineups

Lettonia (5-3-2): Zvidries; Jauzemns, Jurkovskis, Cernomordjis, Balodis, Ciganiks; Varslavanas, Saveljevs, Zelenkovs; Ikauniesk, Gutkovskis. Coach: Nicolato.

Serbia (3-4-1-2): Petrovic; Erakovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Maksimovic, Lukic, Terzic; Samardzic; Mitrovic, Vlahovic. Coach: Stojkovic.

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