RFS vs Valmiera Match Preview

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The last Virsliga season champions RFS host the 2022 Virsliga champions Valmiera at the LNK Sporta Parks on Friday. Both teams started the season off on a high note as Valmiera beat Metta 2-0 while the Rīdzenieki scraped past Auda 2-1. As both clubs are aiming to win the league again this season, a loss could be costly in the title race.

Both teams fighting for the ball in last season's encounter
Image Source: Valmiera FC Facebook Page

As mentioned in the Virsliga preview that I wrote last week, RFS are very solid at the back with some of the best defenders in the league. As well as being solid at the back, Slovenian defender Žiga Lipušček has been a scoring machine too. He scored in the last two matches, one being a late winner against Auda last weekend and against Riga FC in the Latvijas Superkauss (Latvian Super Cup). In the middle, look out for Finnish U21 international Adam Markhiyev who is a composed player who makes the players around him better. Last season the 21-year old had an 88% pass accuracy rate and was exceptional with dribbling past players. Up front RFS have Serbian forward Darko Lemajić, who scored 5 goals in 12 Virsliga appearances last season, as well as scoring against Auda last weekend. 

Žiga Lipušček celebrates his goal vs Auda
Image Source: RFS Facebook Page

Despite an underwhelming Virsliga season last year, Valmiera are aiming high and got off to the perfect start with a win against Metta last weekend. Lemajić will be up against Niks Sliede who is an up and coming defender with a 87% pass accuracy rate and an 83% dribbling success rate. Another player to watch for Valmiera is Lūkass Vapne who is lethal in front of goal having scored 8 goals in last season's Virsliga. The 20-year old is also brilliant at buildup play as he can assist and is exceptional at set pieces.

Djibril Guèye celebrates after scoring against Metta
Image Source: Valmiera FC Facebook Page


What better way than to start the weekend with a matchup between two teams who play entertaining football and have some up and coming players. A win for either side would really help kickoff the season. 

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