Cyprus – Latvia: prediction and preview

Cyprus are second in Group C2 on 4 points after beating Armenia 2-0 and can consolidate in the promotion places, although Montenegro (9) are flying. Latvia are bottom with one point and a single goal in three games. Cyprus are without Kostas Pileas, sent off against Armenia, so Mantzios must reshuffle his defence. Marcus Edwards (Burnley) is the difference-maker, with Pittas leading the line. Latvia lose Antonijs Čerņomordijs to his second booking of the competition. The reverse fixture ended 0-0 in Riga, and Latvia have barely threatened (one shot on target per game in the competition). Balonario's model gives Cyprus a 52% chance of winning, 29% draw and 20% Latvia, with 1-0 the most likely score (expected goals 1.33-0.71). Expect a low-chance game with Cyprus taking the initiative.