Preview: Moldova vs. Latvia - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, have bettered Moldova's points tally after beating Andorra and Liechtenstein to top their Nations League group.

Match preview

Moldova's return to League D has been a positive one, with their opening two group matches yielding a win and a draw.

After beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in the group opener, Moldova played out a goalless away draw against Andorra on Monday despite playing the second half with 10-men following Victor Stina's red card moments before half time.

Four points from their opening two matches leave Friday's hosts in second place, with two points separating them from Latvia.

They will now be aiming to leapfrog their opponents with a win on Friday, but hopes of victory will be dented by the fact that Moldova have lost their last five home matches.

Keeping their opponents at bay has been an issue after conceding 13 goals in their previous five home games, although consecutive clean sheets against Liechtenstein and Andorra will boost hopes of achieving a positive result.

While their hosts have picked up four points from their two Nations League contests, Latvia have bettered that tally after claiming back-to-back victories.

They began their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Andorra, before edging out Liechtenstein in another home contest on Monday.

A 73rd-minute effort from Arturs Zjuzins proved enough to help Lativa claim three more points, with the win also extending their unbeaten run to six matches.

Dainis Kazakevics will now take his side to Moldova as they head on their travels for the first time in their Nations League campaign, with Latvia aiming to clinch a fourth consecutive victory.

The visitors will also be looking to extend their unbeaten away run to five matches, while they also have the chance to collect their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Moldova Nations League form:

Moldova form (all competitions):

Latvia Nations League form:

Latvia form (all competitions):

Team News

The hosts will be enforced into at least one change, with Stina suspended for Friday's contest following his red card against Andorra.

Stina's suspension could result in Marius Iosipoi being presented with a starting opportunity, while Dmitri Mandricenco is expected to retain his place after coming into the starting XI for the goalless draw on Monday.

Ion Nicolaescu has scored four goals in his last seven international appearances, and the 23-year-old will continue to lead the line for Moldova.

As for Latvia, Zjuzins could return to the starting lineup after scoring the winner against Liechtenstein.

There could also be a change in midfield, with Andrejs Ciganiks set to replace Alvis Jaunzems.

Meanwhile, Vladislavs Gutkovskis is expected to retain his place up front, with the forward looking to add to the six goals he has scored for his country.

Moldova possible starting lineup:

Railean; Posmac, Bolohan, Armas; Revenco, Rata, Platica, Reabciuk; Mandricenco, Iosipoi; Nicolaescu

Latvia possible starting lineup:

Steinbors; Savalnieks, Cernomordijs, Dubra, Jurkovskis; Ikaunieks, Zjuzins, Tobers, Ciganiks; Uldrikis, Gutkovskis

We say: Moldova 1-1 Latvia

Previews by email