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While the 2026 World Cup fever is reaching a crescendo, attention is also beginning to turn towards the start of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign across Europe.
Ararat-Armenia host Riga FC in the first qualifying round on Tuesday at Abovyan City Stadium in Armenia, with an evenly matched contest expected in the opening leg.
The first legs will be played on Tuesday, July 7 and Wednesday, July 8, and both sides will be eager to make a positive start to their European campaign.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Ararat-Armenia vs Riga FC key stats
- Ararat-Armenia are undefeated in their last four matches.
- Riga FC have won eight of their last nine matches.
- Five of Ararat-Armenia's last seven matches have produced Under 10.5 corners.
Ararat-Armenia vs Riga FC preview: Visitors to take early advantage?
Ararat-Armenia vs Riga FC — Tale of the Tape
| Ararat-Armenia | vs | Riga FC |
|---|---|---|
| NA (Armenian Premier League) | Position | 2nd (Virsliga) |
| NA | Points | 55 |
| NA | Goals For | 65 |
| NA | Goals Against | 19 |
| NA | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| NA | Home / Away Rank | 2nd |
Ararat-Armenia were crowned Armenian Premier League champions last season after collecting 60 points from 27 matches, finishing four points clear of FC Noah.
The club was founded only 10 years ago and has won the league title three times since earning promotion to the Armenian top flight.
Ararat-Armenia won 18 league matches and suffered just three defeats to reclaim the title for the first time in six years.
Manuel Tulipa's side have played two pre-season friendlies ahead of this tie, drawing 1-1 against both Mura and Vojvodina.
Riga FC secured their place in the Champions League qualifiers after lifting the Latvian league title last season.
Adrian Gula's side should have the edge in terms of match sharpness, having already played more than half of their league fixtures this season.
Riga and RFS are once again locked in a battle for the title, with Gula's men sitting second in the table, just one point behind their rivals.
They head into this contest unbeaten in their last 21 matches and have won eight of their previous nine league games.
Ararat-Armenia vs Riga form guide & betting tips
| Ararat-Armenia | vs | Riga FC |
|---|---|---|
NA |
Form | WWDWW |
| NA | Goals For | 11 |
| NA | Goals Against | 1 |
NA |
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION | NA |
Whispers predicts: Ararat-Armenia 1-2 Riga
Riga FC head into this contest in better physical condition and look well placed to win both the first leg and the tie overall.
Gula's side have led at half time in eight of their last nine matches, and we are backing them to take the lead once again before the interval.
Ararat-Armenia have scored in both of their pre-season friendlies and should be capable of finding the net on home soil, making Both Teams To Score – Yes an appealing selection.
> Riga FC to win | Likelihood: Probable
> Riga FC to win the first half | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 10.5 corners | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes | Likelihood: Probable