Malta vs Azerbaijan Predictions

Malta had a 3-1 defeat handed to them by the Faroe Islands on Friday, can they follow that up with a result at home to Azerbaijan? The visitors were held by Kosovo in their opener, but after that false start they’re set to improve in this trip. The pair are fighting it out for top spot in their Nations League group, which carries with it promotion and a spot in the play-offs for the Euros. There’s plenty on the line in the bottom tier, so the visitors will want to get their record back on track, as they aim for a spot at a tournament which they’re hosting matches at.

Malta’s early defeat doesn’t entirely rule them out, but it’s hard to see a comeback being mounted. They head here bottom of the group at this early stage, and it seems like things are going to get even worse for them. They lost four of five World Cup qualifiers, picking up a draw with Lithuania. The hosts have a largely home-based squad, with little experience of bigger games. Meanwhile, they’ll cast jealous eyes towards the visitors, who have Qarabag in regular European competition.

Azerbaijan are hoping to build on that small European success, as they try to bring footballing success to the country. Baku is already set to host the Europa League final this season, and four matches at the Euros. They have the resources and the intent to make a splash on European football, but they still have a little way to go. They’ll be chasing a successful result in this visit, and with the hosts looking short when it comes to competitive games, it would be hard to excuse a slip from the visitors here.

The hosts have won one of their home qualifying clashes since the early 80s, while their last home competitive win was 12 years ago. That’s a 19 game run without a home win, which is a terrible return. In that run, 14 games have seen them lose, and they’re going up against a side fresh from a 3-1 win at Latvia in their previous away trip.

Azerbaijan should take advantage against the early strugglers in this group, and we expect the visitors to return to winning ways here. The away side are good value for the victory, and with Malta’s awful record taken in to consideration, we can see an away win in this clash. Azerbaijan to win the game is our tip, while we’re backing a 2-1 triumph for the visitors.