Smiltene vs Valmiera / BSS - Cup

When Smiltene and Valmiera / BSS clash at the home ground on June 22, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Cup fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

Both Smiltene and Valmiera / BSS will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Cup. Smiltene's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Smiltene will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Valmiera / BSS will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The most obvious one is that Haaland is the best striker in the world and as promising as Sesko looks, he isn't anywhere near that level at the moment.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Cup standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.