NEW WEEK, NEW TEST
28 / 08 / 2016
Monarhs-Flaminko 
Riga United will face a tough test against a difficult Monarhs-Flaminko.
Date published: 28/08/2016 - 15:14
Monarhs-Flaminko vs Riga United
FC
Venue: Jūrnieka Stadions, Rīga
Kick off: 29/08/2016 - 19:30
After Saturday’s victory, United can’t rest on their laurels for
too long as they go again in the league on Monday against
Monarhs-Flaminko.
This game was originally meant to be played in July however, due to
scheduling, the match was moved. They still have to face Monarhs
two times in the league.
Riga United will hope that Saturday’s win can give them the
momentum to carry on and get their first back-to-back win since
June. The game against Salaspils was tough and lessons will have
been learnt. As has been said many times this season, United
make progress in matches when they start to use the ball smartly
and calmly. They have some very good passers of the ball in the
team and hard workers. If they can utilise their strengths, it
could be another three points.
The Black Cats seem to struggle against physical teams though and
Monarhs will prove another test in this department. Riga and
Monarhs will know each other well from last season and the
hot-tempered matches which ensued. Monarhs, for the second year
running (currently) have the worst disciplinary record in the
league, something Riga will be mindful of. And after Monarhs’ cup
game on Saturday, so will the referees.
United will most certainly be looking for three points as they find
themselves in a battle for mid-table. From the 4th position
to 10th, there is only a six-point difference. The win on Saturday
has put them on their way and they are presently holding down 7th
place (by way of goal difference). Riga has already surpassed its
total points last year, though Manager Mo Awada wants to keep
going: “The last win has now made this Riga United best ever season
in our short history but we can even improve on that and push for
more.”
Looking towards Monday, this is what Awada had to say: ““Monarhs
will be tough but if we stick together worked hard I believe we can
get a positive results.”
Team news:
Graham Williams goes back in goal for Monday’s game after some fine
deputising by Murat Kelkit. Jānis Pakalns is sadly missing due to
serving a one-match-suspension. Otherwise Mo Awada has more at his
disposal than in recent weeks.