Malta vs Scotland Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Malta are readying themselves for another difficult qualification campaign. They finished Euro 2016 qualifying rock bottom of their group with just two points from a possible 30. They scored just three goals during this campaign and conceded 16 at the other end.

This time they will be battling with the likes of Lithuania as they try to avoid finishing bottom, but it’s more than likely that they will end up in the same position in two years time.

The minnows’ last outing was on Wednesday when they earned a 1-1 draw at Estonia, a result which made it ten games without a win for them. Seven of these games have been defeats, but the fact that their last victory came against Lithuania will give them some hope of picking up a victory during this campaign.

Scotland came agonisingly close to qualifying for Euro 2016. They finished in 4th position in their group behind Germany, Poland and Republic of Ireland. They were just three points off the playoff spot that Republic of Ireland successfully navigated through, but the fact that they managed to avoid defeat in both matches against Poland will give them some confidence.

They have since played a few friendlies but haven’t been in action since a 3-0 defeat to France in the build up to Euro 2016. They have won six, drawn two, and lost four of their last 12 matches, including victories over Czech Republic and Denmark.

Scotland’s group for this World Cup qualifying campaign isn’t the hardest in the world either. Arch rivals England are the overwhelming favourites for the one automatic qualifying spot, but they have a good chance of challenging Slovakia for the possible playoff spot of 2nd place.

Scotland are understandably favourites for this clash, but I don’t think it will be a hammering. Malta have lost five of their last 11 home games by a single goal margin, whilst four of these 11 games saw Malta take something from the game. Five of Scotland’s last six away victories have been by a single goal as well, so I think odds of 12/5 for a Scotland Winning Margin of 1 are excellent value. I’m going for a 1-0 correct score prediction at 9/2 as well.