Poland - Latvia predictions and free betting tips [11/05/2024]

The teams of Poland and Latvia will clash today as part of the group stage of the Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic.

Current form of Team Poland

Team Poland is making a comeback to the elite division of the World Hockey Championship for the first time since 2002, showing a significant improvement in their game. Last year, the Poles took first place in Group B of the first division, which allowed them to rise to the premier level of competition. However, the transition to the higher division proved challenging, as the team started with two victories over Hungary with scores of 5:2 and 6:2, but then ensued a series of six defeats in warm-up matches, underlining the difficulty of adaptation to the level of the strongest teams.

In the current line-up, standout players include Filip Komorski of Tychy, who has garnered 32 points in 34 matches this season, and Maciej Urbanowicz of Jastrzębie, who chalked up 28 scoring plays. These players form the backbone of the team's offensive potential at the World Championship. Despite the high level of play of key hockey players, Poland remains the main contender for expulsion from the elite division, considering the recent results, including defeats in friendly matches with scores 1:3 against Denmark, as well as 1:3 and 1:2 in shootouts against the UK.

The team's current challenge is to make a mark in the upcoming matches against leading international teams. The first major test for Robert Kalaber's squad will be a face-off against Latvia where the Polish team will strive to score necessary points and hold off the adversary. This will be a crucial step towards retaining their place in the top flight and changing their World Championship track record.

Current form of Team Latvia

Team Latvia continues to showcase progress on the international stage following a sensational performance at last year's World Championship, where they not only reached the playoffs but also bagged bronze medals by defeating Team USA with a score of 4:3 in the third-place match. This year, despite preparation difficulties, the team is striving to maintain their high level. In a series of 8 friendlies leading up to the championship, Latvia managed only three victories, including an 8:0 score over Norway, but also suffered five losses, highlighting the importance of further game improvement.

For the current World Championship, coach Harijs Vitolins brought a squad primarily composed of experienced players - Rihards Bukarts and former KHL player Kaspars Daugavins. Bukarts has chalked up 11 points in 18 games for Vitkovice this season, while Daugavins, for Dukla, has 54 points in 47 matches, making them key figures in the national team's offence. NHL'S goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is the single representative of the world's best league and plays a crucial role in the team's defence.

Team Latvia's first group stage match will be an important test, as they are aiming not only to preserve their elite status but also to repeat last year's success. Everyone's waiting for their confident performance in the Czech Republic Championship, where every match could shape the outcome of their tournament bid.

Head-to-Head

Over the last 15 years, the teams met only twice, in 2023 friendly matches, Poland was stronger in the first match with a score of 5:3 while Latvia won 2:0 in the second match.

Match Prediction: Poland vs Latvia

Poland appears as the main outsiders of the World Championship, and over the last 6 matches, they have never scored more than one goal - hence, I am placing a bet on their individual total under 1.5.