Malta VS Slovenia Match Prediction

Malta are a relatively new team at this level of international competition, so past meetings with Slovenia have been kept to a minimum; our fixtures, to be precise. 

Those looking for a Malta vs Slovenia betting insight will note that it is the Slovenians who have gained the upper hand with three wins and a draw.
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Malta vs Slovenia Prediction

Malta, like the Faroe Islands and San Marino, must be realistic about their chances in qualifying for major tournaments and look to make small, marginal gains with each competition they enter. The Faroes have achieved that in recent times, and they are the team that Malta must look to emulate.

At least they are capable of making life awkward for their higher quality opposition, and to keep England to just two goals at Wembley is a feather in their cap. On home soil, against a decent Slovenia side but not one blessed with goal power, they should do okay.

But the visitors are improving with each passing year, and with more and more of their players plying their trade at a good standard at club level, the international team has benefited. A 0-0 draw with England is testament to that.

In a similar vein to neighbours Slovakia as they take on Lithuania, we also fancy this match to go in favour of the Slovaks by a narrow margin. 

Malta vs Slovenia Betting Tips

Slovenia are as short as 1/4 here, which by no means overstates their likely dominance, but don’t forget we’re interested in Malta’s ability to repel attack after attack. As such, we’re going to give them a go with a +2 Asian handicap at 7/10.

The Maltese defence kept England to just two goals; so let’s assume they can do the same if not better against Slovenia. Under 2.5 Goals at 4/5 is the play.

Malta are another of Europe’s international teams that struggle, and for context a 1-5 defeat to Scotland just about sums up their aspirations. But then they did keep England and Lithuania to just 0-2 defeats, so at least they are capable of making life difficult for their more prestigious opponents. 

Malta likely XI:

Slovenia have started World Cup qualifying life in respectable fashion, with a 0-0 draw with England and narrow 1-0 win over rivals Slovakia an indicator of how they go about their business; they like to keep things tight and conservative. That will please Malta no end!

Slovenia likely XI:

The minnows of European football have improved to the extent where they are now capable of avoiding heavy defeats, even if they don\'t win many/any matches, and that knowledge is a handy resource for punters when the international break comes around. Malta are unlikely to win this match, we must acknowledge that fact, but they can certainly keep the extent of their likely defeat to a minimum; particularly against a Slovenia side that isn\'t blessed with quality in the final third. So yes, a Slovenia win is the most likely result here, but expect plucky Malta to come away with from the match with some credit.

Here\'s a key stat double whammy: Slovenia don\'t win many away from home (two in fourteen to be precise), while Malta are probably a bit better than you might think: our +2 Asian handicap wager would have landed in eight of their last ten matches.