The Inver Reds’ UEFA Champions League journey begins in Riga tonight as we take on FC RFS in the first qualifying round of the competition.
Approximately 100 Larne fans have made the trip to the Latvian capital for the game, with a live stream available for those watching at home. Supporters are encouraged to read the below preview ahead of the game.
LIVE STREAM
Tonight’s game will be shown live at the 1889 Sports & Social Club which is open from 5pm. The stream will be shown on a large outdoor screen and on our multi-screen system inside the bar.
Those wishing to watch from home can purchase the stream by clicking here: http://larnefc-streaming.com/.
TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION – FC RFS
FC RFS come into tonight’s fixture in excellent domestic form and currently sit top of the Virsliga on 56 points after 22 games played.
Averaging over three goals per game, RFS boast a seven-point lead over Riga FC in second place and look likely to secure a third top-flight title come the end of the season.
Currently on an 11-game unbeaten run, RFS ran out 7-0 winners against Jelgava in their last outing, the same day that Tiernan Lynch’s squad secured the NIFL Charity Shield with victory over Cliftonville.
A player for Larne fans to watch is the highly rated 20-year-old forward Ismael Diomande. The Ivorian has scored 9 goals in 19 league appearances this season, topped only by Darko Lemanjic who has scored 10 goals in 20 league appearances.
Another attacking talent which will pose a threat to the Larne backline is 24-year-old Brazilian winger Emerson Deocleciano, who Transfermarkt have named as the club’s most valuable player.
THE INVER REDS
Tiernan Lynch’s squad head into this season’s UEFA Champions League competition with the benefit of experienced gained against a strong HJK side last season.
A competitive pre-season to date has included a draw against Stranraer and victory over Bala Town and Cliftonville in the NIFL Charity Shield.
The Invermen will hope to put together a strong defensive display which has become the backbone of the squad over the past two seasons, safe in the knowledge that our frontline have the ability to convert when chances fall their way during the game.
A full squad has made the trip to Riga and the coaching team will no doubt have selection headaches across a number of positions ahead of kick-off.
MATCHDAY IN LATVIA
Approximately 100 Larne fans have descended on Latvia via a variety of different routes over the past 48 hours in what is another sensational effort to follow the Inver Reds across Europe.
Temperatures in Riga are expected to peak at 28 degrees this afternoon and will be around 27 degrees at kick-off time.
Supporters in Riga are advised that there is no public transport heading towards the LNK Sporta Parks facility and those heading to the game should book transport on the Bolt Taxi app ahead of kick-off.
