Russia vs Malta Predictions

Malta to struggle with third game in a week

Malta have performed with immense credit thus far in the 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign, though they may come unstuck against the Russians in Moscow this Tuesday.

The Maltese are certainly not the whipping boys of old, claiming four points from their five matches in Group H to date including a fine 3-0 home victory against Cyprus last week.

However, they were well beaten 3-0 by Croatia when facing their third game in seven days during the last international break, and a similar fate potentially awaits Devis Mangia’s charges here as they make the gruelling trip to Moscow just hours after losing 1-0 in Slovenia.

Despite their marked progress in recent times, small nations like Malta with limited squads often struggle with quick turnarounds and it goes without saying anyway that Russia are a far superior outfit.

Tuesday’s hosts are toe to toe with Croatia at the top of Group H, and they’ll be keen to bank a resounding win at Otkrytiye Arena to boost their goal difference. Russia triumphed 1-3 in March’s reverse tie, but back them to cover a two goal handicap this time around.

And after two consecutive clean sheets for the Russians, we’re also tipping up a 4-0 correct score.