- Jablonec have won three and lost two of their last five games, following back-to-back victories over Sigma Olomouc and NK Varazdin.
- Rigas Futbola Skola have won four and drawn one of their last five, including a 4-1 home win over IF Vestri and a 1-0 win at Tukums 2000.
Jablonec the favorites, but RFS have a reputation
Jablonec are the favorites at 1.5 for their first game in the 2026 UEFA Conference League Qualification against Rigas Futbola Skola on Thursday, with the draw at 4.1 and the visitors at 6.3.
Jablonec certainly looks the better club on paper and has made a good start to the tournament with back-to-back wins over Sigma Olomouc and NK Varazdin.
Lubos Kozel has set his team up with a back three and wing-backs, while his controlled-aggression style has seen an upturn in their performance in recent weeks, particularly the last two victories.
Rigas are flying in form with eight wins and two draws from their last ten. This Jablonec vs Rigas Futbola Skola preview suggests both sides arrive with strong momentum.
Visitors are streetwise in a back four
There's a massive gap in form between these clubs heading into Thursday's qualification tie, with Jablonec's record in all competitions in their last 10 being three wins, one draw and six defeats.
Viktors Morozs has his team well-organised and streetwise in a compact back-four system that should make them a difficult proposition in European knockout football.
Rigas are as rock-solid on the road as any team we have seen in all European competitions this season, registering four wins and a draw from five attempts, averaging 1.40 goals per game and conceding just 0.40 per game.
There will be an intriguing tactical clash in the first leg with Jablonec keen to control the ball, overload the flanks and squeeze chances out of set pieces, while the visitors will sit compact and break vertically.
Rigas can nick goals in the second half
Rigas can get compact and make it tough for Jablonec on Thursday, although the home team will always be favourites to win the game.
A draw would be a great result for the Latvians, but they've got a good shot at winning this on the night and keeping the tie very much alive for the return leg.
Jablonec have won three, drawn one and lost two of their six home games in all competitions this term, scoring nine goals in their last six, so still have a puncher's chance at home.
Therefore, the result that looks most likely is a Jablonec win, although Rigas' away record and European nous suggests the match may be closer than the odds suggest. Our Jablonec vs Rigas Futbola Skola prediction is that the game could be decided by fine margins.
Backing both teams to score at 1.85 seems a better option for this encounter than either of the teams to win, especially as the Czechs will be on the front foot at home while Rigas can snatch goals in transition. These Jablonec vs Rigas Futbola Skola betting tips point toward a competitive first leg.
