Armenia vs Montenegro Preview: A Tactical Battle in Yerevan in the UEFA Nations League

The Teams’ Form and Match Situation

Armenia come into this match after a 2-0 win over Latvia at this same stadium. Montenegro also won their most recent game, beating Cyprus 2-1. Both teams played their previous matches on 25 September 2026 and return to action after a short three-day interval.

The Referee and His Record

José Luis Munuera Montero of Spain has been appointed to referee this match. He has officiated important games in international competitions and La Liga, but according to available reports, he has not directly refereed any previous matches involving either of these senior teams. This means the two sides have no history of sensitivities arising from controversial decisions in past meetings.

Tactical Matchup 1: Montenegro’s Crosses Against Armenia’s Defensive Congestion

Montenegro used a ⁦4-4-2⁩ formation in their previous match, focusing on using the wide areas to deliver the ball into the penalty area. Armenia, by contrast, lined up in a 5-4-1 and used three compact centre-backs to protect their box.

AnalysisGiven Montenegro’s system, they will need to deliver repeated crosses from the wings towards their two target forwards. Armenia’s five-man defensive structure allows them to have a suitable numerical advantage in the penalty area with three centre-backs and deal with these balls. If Armenia’s wing-backs can prevent accurate crosses in the first phase, Montenegro’s main attacking weapon will be neutralized.

Tactical Matchup 2: Armenia’s Quick Transitions and the Space in Midfield

Armenia rely on quick transitions in their defensive system, with players such as Eduard Spertsyan playing the role of chief creator in midfield when they win the ball back. Montenegro’s central midfielders, meanwhile, are responsible for supporting attacks while also covering defensive spaces.

AnalysisMontenegro’s midfielders may leave spaces in the centre of the pitch when they push forward to support the forwards in possession. As soon as Armenia win the ball back, Spertsyan can use the space behind Montenegro’s midfielders to set up counterattacks. The key to containing this threat will be how quickly the visiting midfielders regain their positions after losing the ball.

Tactical Matchup 3: Forwards’ Pressing Against Playing Out from the Back

With forwards such as Stevan Jovetić and Nikola Krstović, Montenegro are capable of pressing in the attacking third. Armenia, on the other hand, look to begin the first phase of their buildup near their own goal, using three central defenders.

AnalysisThe presence of Montenegro’s two forwards against Armenia’s three centre-backs gives the home team a numerical advantage (three against two) in the first phase of buildup. This advantage allows Armenia to use the width of the pitch to break through the opposition’s initial press. However, if Montenegro’s wide midfielders push forward, the passing lanes to Armenia’s wing-backs may be blocked, increasing the risk of losing possession.

Possible Match Scenarios

AnalysisScenario 1: Montenegro score early. If the visiting team can score in the opening minutes, Armenia will have to come out of the defensive shell of their 5-4-1 and push their lines higher. This change in approach would open up the hosts’ defensive structure and give Montenegro’s physical forwards more space to threaten on the counterattack.

AnalysisScenario 2: The match remains level late on. In this case, the game could become a stalemate, with Armenia looking to use their compact defense to force Montenegro into high-risk attacks and exploit the space behind their defenders. This outcome would change only if Montenegro chose to avoid taking risks, drop their midfield line, completely close off counterattacking spaces, and control the game.

Key players

Absences and fitness

These sources did not confirm any absences. That does not mean every player is available.

Official lineup

Official lineup from the match source. Last check: 28 Sept 2026 at 19:19.