Malta vs Russia Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 22/03/2021, 06:24  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 23/03/2021 at 19:14 in World Cup Prediction

Russia hosted the last World Cup but it's back to qualifiers for them now. They begin Group H with an away game in Malta with the other countries in the group being Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Cyprus. Russia will be glad that they don't start off with a tough tie in this group. Their form is poor with no wins in their last six matches. Promotion to League A in the Nations League was looking possible after eight points from their first four games. However, their last two group games were lost to Turkey and Serbia with eight goals conceded, including a 5-0 loss in Serbia. That shouldn't happen in Malta and the Russians usually do very well against sides at this low level, with 5-0 wins over San Marino and Cyprus. It's 25 years since they played Malta away and that was a 2-0 win for the Russians.

Malta are world ranked 176, that's 137 behind their opponents. They are however unbeaten in their last seven matches but let's take a look at who they have been playing. Their unbeaten run came in the Nations League up against countries such as the Faroe Islands, Andorra and Latvia as well as a friendly win over Liechtenstein. So basically, they've been playing the low ranked teams, now it's back to playing the top sides. Their last 14 World Cup qualifiers have produced just one point against Lithuania. 13 of their last 14 home games have been lost in the World Cup qualifers. Another loss is on the way here, back Russia to win and lead at half and full time.