Makedonija welcome Rigas to the Petar Milosevski Training Centre for the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League first-round qualifiers on Thursday (July 13).
Makedonija played in the Conference League qualifiers last season but failed to qualify for the main event. They have never qualified for the group stage of a UEFA-affiliated competition. They booked their place in the Conference League qualifiers after winning the Macedonian Football Cup, finishing seventh in the league.
Rigas, meanwhile, made the group stage of the Conference League for the first time last season. They went winless, suffering four defeats, and finished last in Group A. They will make their fifth consecutive appearance in the first round of qualifiers of a UEFA competition.
They finished third in the Latvian Higher League last season to miss out on a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
The hosts will play their first competitive game of the season and might be a bit rusty. They endured a poor run in four preceding friendlies, conceding 12 goals and scoring five times.
Meanwhile, Rigas have enjoyed an unbeaten run in the Latvian league this season. Considering their superior record in qualifying rounds of European competitions and current form, they should record a comfortable win.
Prediction: Makedonija 1-2 Rigas
Tip 1: Result - Rigas to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the first half - Yes
Tip 4: Andrej Ilic to score or assist any time - Yes
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