On Wednesday evening, Riga FC host FK Jelgava in the Latvian Virsliga, in a top versus bottom battle in the country’s capital.
The contrast in the pairs seasons so far could not be starker. Riga are top of the table having picked up 31 points from their 16 league outings so far this season, while the visitors are bottom of the table, having accrued a meagre 16 points from the same amount of games.
There is hope for the visitors, as Riga have not been infallible this season, as they have already suffered five defeats in the Latvian top-flight. The home side are also only top of the table by virtue of superior goal difference to city rivals Rigas Futbola Skola.
The leader's recent form in the Latvian top-flight has been good though, as they have won their last three outings while scoring at least two goals in each victory.
The fact that they scored twice in each of their last three games should not come as a surprise, as the home side are the top scorers in the Virsliga.
All is not yet lost for Jelgava, as they are only bottom of the table because of inferior goal difference to FS METTA/LU Riga in eighth place.
Their recent form in the top-flight has been poor. However, a 2-0 win at BFC Daugavpils last time out ended a run of eight games without a victory, including a four-game losing streak prior to the win.
A lack of goals has hampered the visitor's bid for survival in the Latvia top-flight, as Jelgava have scored the fewest goals in the Virsliga, having scored just 13 times. The visitor's record of just two goals in their last six league outings does not bode well for an away win either.
Forebet predicts that Riga will record a comfortable victory in a high-scoring clash to remain on course to win the title.