Larne vs Rigas FS Prediction: More goals expected in this tie

Larne have a huge mountain to climb in the second leg of their Champions League first round qualifier as they are three goals down to Rigas FS, who head to Inver Park on Wednesday (20:00). The Northern Irish outfit will be hoping for a much better display on home soil as they aim to pull off an incredible comeback.

Rigas will fancy themselves to get the job done, but they will find it slightly more challenging on foreign soil. Read on for my Larne vs Rigas FS prediction, including match odds and team news.

Larne vs Rigas FS Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Larne vs Rigas FS page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Larne are 9/4 to win this match in 90 minutes, giving them an implied probability of 30.8%. Rigas are valued at 9/10, which gives them a 52.6% chance of victory. If you believe the hosts can pull off a comeback and take the tie to extra-time, the draw can be backed at 11/4 (26.7%).

Both teams to score is marketed at 8/13 and over 2.5 goals is priced at 4/6.

Football Odds

Team News

Larne could make changes in attacking areas after they failed to score in the first leg, which could see Andy Ryan and Conor McKendry drop out of the starting lineup. This could make way for Paul O'Neill and Matthew Lusty to spear the charge in attack as the Inver Reds need to overcome a three-goal deficit.

Rigas could opt to alternate the side that handed them the advantage in the tie, but they will likely want to ensure they get the job done. So they are likely to feature their best players, including Janis Ikaunieks, who is a constant threat down the right wing.

The defence is the area of the pitch least likely to change following another clean sheet last week.

Draw or Rigas FS and both teams to score - Yes @ 11/10

I must admit, despite Rigas winning last week's match comfortably, I think this leg is a tough one to call. This is because Larne have only lost two of their last six home matches in European competition.

However, Rigas FS were excellent last week, extending their own unbeaten run across all competitions to 12 matches. The Latvian outfit are in the middle of their season, so they are much fresher than their Northern Irish counterparts.

Larne capitulated last week but I can't see that happening now that they are the home side. If they are to lose again, I can't see it being by another big scoreline. The home crowd should spur them on here and I think it can help them get on the scoresheet in this tie, and perhaps even help them earn a draw in 90 minutes.

However, I do see Rigas winning again because they are full of confidence and they are at the peak of their fitness right now, compared to Larne who are in the midst of pre-season.

Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6

With that last selection in mind, as well as the 3-0 scoreline last week, I think there should be no issues with us being treated to at least three goals again in this tie. Larne will be fired up as they look to try and rescue this qualifier on home soil, and if there are changes in attack, those coming in will have a point to prove, hoping to push for a consistent run of starts.

Rigas' in-form stars will look to continue building their own momentum as they sit atop of their domestic league seven points ahead of second. This exercise will not only aid them in their quest to reach the Champions League group stage, but it will keep their rhythm going as they try to wrap up a second consecutive league title.

Offers

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