Preview: Rigas Futbola Skola vs Glentoran – prediction, team news, schedule

There are 90 minutes to go in the first round Conference League In the qualifiers, Northern Ireland side Glentoran will visit Latvia’s Rigas Futbola Skola at LNK Sporta Parks in the second leg of Thursday’s tie.

The RFS holds a He took a 2-1 lead in the first leg at the Oval, and the Glens will be struggling as they look for their first win in four games.

Game preview

Viktors Morozs’ RFS narrowly missed out on reaching the 2025-26 Conference League stage, lost 3-2 to Hamrun Spartans in the final round of the playoffs, but they hope to take a strong step into this season.

The three-time Latvian champions are currently top of the Virsliga, and head into Thursday’s clash having won five and drawn one of their last six games.

On Sunday, the boys from Morozs beat Jelgava 2-0, two goals were scored in the break by Roberts Savalnieks and Darko Lemajic.

Despite the strong result, the win will give fans hope for a progression as a number of players – including striker Rostand Ndjiki and midfielder Stefan Panic – have been swapped in preparation for the clash with Glentoran.

RFS came from behind to win 2-1 away last week, and will be confident of holding their own this time, especially as they have lost just once at home since September last year.

What the Latvians are looking forward to further is their continental experience at the top level, which includes an appearance in the Europa League in 2024-25, where they were popular. beat Dutch giants Ajax 1-0.

Meanwhile, Declan Devine’s Glentoran are competing in the UEFA qualifiers for the first time since 2023-2024, and everyone involved will be aware that the club have not progressed beyond the first round of any European qualification process since 2011-12.

However, the Glens go into this crucial contest on the back of a 2-1 first leg defeat, and having seen their side score two or more goals just twice in their last six outings, fans will understandably worry about their chances of an upset.

To make matters worse, the visitors may not be as sharp as they should be in the midst of a pre-season deficit, and the RFS are 22 games into their Virsliga season.

Devine’s side closed out the 2025-26 NIFL Premiership campaign with 6-2 demolition at the hands of Coleraine on April 25, and have won just once since then, defeating central side East Belfast FC 8-1 in a friendly on June 26.

To put it into perspective, Glentoran have lost just one of their last six away games, won four and drawn one, and have scored at least twice in 10 of their 11 away games since the start of 2026.

Additionally, defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi – who opened the scoring for the Glens with a header in the first leg – produced a solid performance, but was announced as a new signing just hours before kick-off.

Fellow summer signing, 19-year-old Rhys Walsh, was an unused substitute last week, and the pair could make a big impact on Thursday as they have had time to get up to speed with the rest of the squad.

Rigas Futbola Skola Conference League form:

Form Rigas Futbola Skola (all competitions):

Glentoran Conference League form:

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Team News

© Imago / CHRISTIANxÖRNBERG BB250730CO147

RFS were forced to withdraw Ismael Diomande through injury just 32 minutes into the first leg, so expect to see Martins Kigurs start as part of an attacking trio alongside Janis Ikaunieks and Dmitrijs Zelenkovs behind striker Rostand Ndjiki.

The one who will protect the home team will be goalkeeper Jevgenijs Nerugals, who will be protected by four players joined by captain Ziga Lipuscek and his back partner Herdi Prenga.

As for Glentoran, they will look to veteran striker Patrick Hoban to turn the club around and fire the club in the second round.

The 34-year-old should be supported up top by Jordan Jenkins and Joseph Thomson out wide, while Jack Malone, Aaron McEneff and Joshua Kelly will be hoping to provide stability in midfield.

Last week’s goalscorer, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, should start at the heart of Devine’s defence, partnering Daniel Larmour in the centre, followed by defenders James Singleton and Ryan Cooney.

Rigas Futbola Skola likely to start on the list:

Nerugals, Filipovic, Prenga, Lipuscek, Kumater; Saidy, Fear; Diomande, Ikaunieks, Zelenkovs; Turn away

Possible list of Glentoran:

Crellin; Singleton, Ibsen Rossi, Larmour, Cooney; McEneff, Malone, Kelly; Jenkins, Hoban, Thomson

We say: Rigas Futbola Skola 2-2 Glentoran (Agg. 3-2)

RFS are in control of the game as they lead 2-1, but must remain focused on a very strong Glentoran team going into 2026.

The Glens will be sure to put in a good performance on Thursday, but considering their poor pre-season performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them fall short of the second qualifying round.

For data analysis of the most likely results, score lines and more for this game please click here.