Lithuania vs Romania
UEFA Nations League
Date: Thursday, 11th October 2018
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: LFF stadionas (Vilnius).
LITHUANIA VS ROMANIA MATCH PREVIEW
The LFF stadionas in Vilnius is set to host a third-round match between Lithuania and Romania in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday evening. The tie will be in Group four, which is currently led by Montenegro, whilst these two sides need to win to keep their hopes of winning this group alive. Romania have drawn both matches, whilst Lithuania have lost both without scoring. The sides last met in 2016 in an international friendly, which Romania won 1-0. We are predicting the Romanian’s to win this once again against a side who are lacking real confidence, with over 2.5 goals also in the game.
LITHUANIA TEAM NEWS
Edgaras Jankauskas’ side have been in horrendous form for several years now and the Lithuanians have won just three of their last 18 international matches. One of those wins came against Sri Lanka away from home in a 2-0 victory in July, whilst a 1-0 win over Armenia five games prior was arguably their best result in the past two years. Failure to qualify for the World Cup has caused their UEFA Nations League campaign to take a hit, with Lithuania losing 1-0 on home turf to Serbia and three days later losing 2-0 away to group leaders Montenegro by a 2-0 scoreline. Their game against Romania on Thursday evening is one they must win if they hope to not only have a successful campaign in this competition, but also to qualify for the 2020 European Championships, something they failed to do for the 2016 tournament in France. However, a win this week will be tough for Jankauskas’ side, especially with his team having not beaten Lithuania since 2008 in a World Cup qualifier.
Lithuania’s best chances of a win this week will be down to a few of their key men, including the likes of 27-year-old midfielder Arvydas Novikovas, who has been in fine form for his club, as well as young attacking midfielder Modestas Vorobjovas, who is normally at the heart of Lithuanian attacks. Dynamo Moscow forward Fedor Cernych is a doubt for this tie after only featuring for 13 minutes of his Russian clubs’ last four matches. Veteran goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus will no doubt be called upon in this tie, but the 33-year-old has failed to keep a clean sheet in four matches and may be low on confidence.
ROMANIA TEAM NEWS
Romania currently sit third in group four of after two games in the brand-new Nations League competition. Back-to-back draws with league leaders Montenegro and the impressive Serbia make this match against Lithuania an important one and one they must win if they hope to put pressure on Montenegro. Their 2-2 draw last month saw Romania fight back from going a goal behind twice in the tie, but talisman Nicolae Stanciu and midfielder George Tucudean rescued a point after the interval. The away side this week are now on a six-game unbeaten streak, which stands them in great stead to qualify for the European Champions for the second successive time after also impressing in France back in 2016. Their best win on their unbeaten run came against Chile in May, when they beat the South American impressers 3-2 on home soil.
The game against Lithuania is an excellent chance to not only extend their good form, but also to potentially top the group if results elsewhere go their way. Manager Cosmin Contra will be pleased to know many of his regulars in his national side will be available, including the ever-present Stancu, who will be continuing in his pursuit to become the top national team goal scorer ahead of the likes of Adrian Mutu and Gheorghe Hagi. Young midfielder Razvan Marin will no doubt feature once again in midweek after impressing last time out for his country and scoring the decisive goal for St Liege against Belgian giants Club Brugge last weekend.
Lithuania vs Romania Head-to-head
Romania is on a six-match unbeaten streak.
Romania has just one loss in their last ten matches, and the loss came against the strong Netherlands side.
Out of the eight matches contested between these two sides, Romania has been victorious seven times.
The recent form of Romania is very promising with wins against strong oppositions like Sweden, Chile etc.
Lithuania vs Romania Betting Tips
Romania to win @ 6/11 (1.55)
Half Time/ Full Time – Romania/ Romania @ 13/10 (2.30).