Armenia vs North Macedonia Predictions: Form, Tactics & Best Bets for the UEFA Nations League Clash
The 2024–25 UEFA Nations League returns to Yerevan on 10 June as Armenia welcomes North Macedonia to the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium. Both sides are locked on three points in League C Group 4 after two matchdays, turning this mid-week meeting into a pivotal six-pointer. Below we break down the key stats, likely line-ups, tactical trends and betting angles you need before kick-off.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
North Macedonia arrives in slightly better form: Blagoja Milevski’s men have lost only once in their last six competitive fixtures (3-2-1) and have kept clean sheets in four of them. Armenia, meanwhile, is winless in four (0-2-2) and has scored just once from open play in that spell. The nations have met four times since 2019; Macedonia remain unbeaten (W2, D2) with an aggregate score of 7-2. The most recent encounter, a November 2020 friendly in Skopje, ended 1-1.
Team News & Expected XIs
Armenina
Coach Oleksandr Petrakov is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 he used in the 2-1 loss to Faroe Islands. Captain Varazdat Haroyan returns from suspension, while 19-year-old talent Grant-Leon Ranos is pushing to start up front.
Likely XI: Yurchenko – Kamo Hovhannisyan, Haroyan, Calisir, Harutyunyan – Grigoryan, Bichakhchyan – Mkhitaryan, Zelarayán, Spertsyan – Ranos.
North Macedonia
Captain and all-time top scorer Enis Bardhi is rated 75 % fit after a calf issue; he will probably be eased in off the bench. Milevski may refresh the midfield that edged Latvia 1-0, handing Elif Elmas a free role behind Aleksandar Trajkovski.
Likely XI: Dimitrievski – Ashkovski, Velkovski, Musliu, Alioski – Ademi, Bardhi (or Atanasov) – Churlinov, Elmas, Ristovski – Trajkovski.
Key Tactical Battle
Armenia’s chief weapon is set-pieces: four of their last five goals have come from dead-ball situations. Expect left-back Hovhannisyan to sling in early, flat deliveries toward the near post where Ranos attacks. Macedonia’s weakness is the channel between centre-back and full-back, especially when right-back Todor Tosevski (or Ashkovski) advances. If Elmas drops deep to collect, he can isolate Calisir 1-v-1 and exploit the space in behind.
The counter-pressing numbers tell the story: Armenia win the ball back in the final third only 4.1 times per 90 (fourth-worst in League C), whereas Macedonia average 7.3 (second-best). Expect the visitors to dominate territory and force Armenia into long diagonals. The hosts’ best hope is to compress play centrally and draw fouls around the box where Mkhitaryan and Zelarayán are dangerous.
Predictions
Scoreline: Armenia 1 – 2 North Macedonia
First Goalscorer: Eljif Elmas anytime at 4.50 (bet365)
Value Bet: Over 2.5 goals + both teams to score at 2.75 (Pinnacle)
Long-shot: Macedonia to win & Elmas to score first at 17.0 (skybet)
We project a tight game that opens up late. Macedonia’s superior transition speed and bench depth should prevail, but Armenia’s set-piece prowess means the visitors cannot afford to switch off. Expect goals, drama and a Macedonian victory that keeps their promotion push firmly on track.
