Rīgas FS vs FK Liepaja - Virsliga

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Rīgas FS and FK Liepaja together at the home ground on May 8, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Virsliga occasion. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Virsliga contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have been in fine fettle of late, their recent run of DLLLL underlining a campaign win rate of 76.67%. FK Liepaja have struggled to string results together away from home, DDLLW over their last five with a win rate of 38.71%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Rīgas FS average 2.37 per game to FK Liepaja's 1.32, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. The Saudi Pro League side have now placed a €45 million package on the table, while Watkins himself is understood to be open to making the move.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Rīgas FS will look to impose their style on home soil, while FK Liepaja are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Andoni Iraola, like Luis Enrique, is a coach who demands that his players press high.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Paulo, with 3 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. New: Arsenal optimistic after “progress” on Vini Jr transfer + still keen on another world class forward.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the Virsliga table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.