Latvian favorite set to seal the rout: prediction for Vestri vs RFS
Vestri
The second qualifying round clash of the Conference League between Icelandic side Vestri and RFS will take place on July 30 in Ísafjörður. The Riga club claimed a resounding 4-1 victory in the first leg and has all but secured progression to the next stage, while the hosts now face the daunting task of pulling off a miraculous comeback.
Vestri: a seven-match winless crisis
Vestri approaches the return leg in dire straits. The Icelandic side has gone seven matches without a win, suffering five defeats and recording two draws, and in their latest domestic league outing, they were hammered 6-2 by Kópavogur.
The hosts’ European campaign offers little encouragement either. In Europa League qualifying, Vestri lost both legs to Qarabağ by 0-3 scorelines, and then shipped four goals to RFS. The necessity to push forward in this return fixture may only further expose their already shaky defense.
RFS: Latvia’s leaders in top form
RFS sit comfortably atop the Latvian championship, amassing 62 points from 24 matches. The Riga outfit has racked up 20 wins, drawn twice, and suffered only two defeats. Before their trip to Iceland, they edged out Tukums 2000 with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The visitors are unbeaten in ten matches, nine of which ended in victory. Prior to facing Vestri, the Latvian club knocked out Glentoran with an aggregate score of 4-1, so the first-leg thrashing in this tie appears to be a continuation of their solid form, not a fluke.
Match facts and head-to-head
- RFS won the first leg 4-1.
- Vestri are winless in their last seven matches.
- RFS are unbeaten in their last ten games, with nine wins.
Class difference will prove decisive again: prediction for Vestri vs RFS
Vestri need to overturn a three-goal deficit, so the Icelandic side will have to take risks from the first whistle. However, their recent results show the defense struggles even against domestic opposition, and against the Latvian league leaders, open spaces could lead to another heavy defeat.
RFS can afford to control the tempo, but their current form allows them to do more than just protect their advantage. The Riga side clearly outclass their opponent, are in the habit of winning, and have already showcased their attacking firepower in the first leg.
