Norway VS Malta Match Prediction

In nine prior matches between them, Norway have collected seven wins and two draws against Malta.  In total, they have found the back of the net 20 times and conceded just twice.  The only two recent meetings came in the 2014/15 qualifiers. Norway won 2-0 at home and 0-3 away to the minnows.

NOR vs MLT Betting Tips and Odds

Betfair have the following odds available for this match:

Norway are at 1.04, a draw is at 15.0, and a Malta shock win is at 81.0.

Norway scoring first in the first half is at 1.2.

Four or more total goal is at 2.2.

* Top two teams automatically make European Championship *

Group F has started as many would have predicted, with Spain running riot in front with 12 points from a possible 12.  They have left everyone in their wake, with Sweden and Romania trailing by five points already.  Down in fourth is Norway who have five, while Malta have taken three.  If either are to have a legitimate chance of progressing, they have absolutely got to win this match and then go on a sustained run.  It’s not likely, but it is still mathematically possible at this point.

Norway come into this match with a bit of optimism, but they still know that there is much work still left to be done for them to be amongst the top European sides at the moment.  The Norwegians did top their Group- Group 3 of League C- in the Nations League, so that will get them at least a playoff for a place in the tournament.  So, that will make up for a letdown so far, though it’s not a huge shock to see those ahead of them residing where they are right now.  One boon for them will be playing in Oslo, where they are unbeaten in 12 outings.

Malta, on the other hand, will realistically just be hoping to get some more points on the board and skate further away from last place Faroe Islands.  The only points they have came as a result of being those minnows, so they will know deep down that it’s not going to be very likely they can go through.  Anything away from home for them, apart from against their fellow minnows would be a huge shock and a bonus, so that’s what this will be.  In their last four games against teams not named the Faroe Islands, they have conceded 14 times and scored none, so that’s not exactly a bright spot.

Norway vs Malta Prediction

Norway don’t have a lot of wiggle room at the moment, and they will know they have to win this match no matter what.  Thankfully, they have a receptive opponent that they can easily defeat.  

Correct Score Prediction: Norway 4-0 Malta

Norway Team News

Lars Lagerback has some choices to make here in regards to his starting XI with a match against Sweden on the horizon.  Josh King might get a rest ahead of the match against their rivals, even if he is their top player, as could others like Stefan Johansen.  In terms of the squad, goalkeeper Andre Hansen, defender Martin Linnes, midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi, and forward Ola Kamara are among those that did not earn a call up.

Norway Key Man

King might not feature here, but if he doesn’t they still have a big threat in Bjorn Maars Johnsen, who will enter this match in fine form having scored twice in the victory at the Faroe Islands.  The Rosenborg man has five goals now in 13 caps, making for nice reading for them and a nice back up.  Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Odegaard is certainly one to keep an eye on.  The 20 year-old is growing into his role for both club and country, and the improvement is visible each and every time out.  

Norway Team Form

Norway have two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches:

0-2 win at Faroe Islands
2-2 home draw vs Romania 
3-3 home draw vs Sweden
2-1 loss at Spain
0-2 win at Cyprus (UNL)

Norway Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-4-2

Malta Team News

Ray Farrugia has left out forward Michael Misfud, who once played his club football in Norway.  Also missing out on the side are midfielders Ryan Fenech and Bjorn Kristensen and defenders Jonathan Caruana and Ryan Camilleri.

Malta Key Man

Malta rarely have any joy in matches, and that’s especially the case in qualification.  However, they did get some over the Faroe Islands to start the group stage, and that was thanks to Steve Borg and Kyrian Nwoko.  Both of them got goals in the victory, giving them a nice start and ensuring they didn’t get absolutely nothing from the group immediately.  Neither, though, are prolific as those were their first goals for their nation.  

Malta Team Form

Malta have three losses, a win, and a draw in their last five matches:

0-4 home loss vs Romania 
3-0 loss at Sweden
0-2 home loss vs Spain 
2-1 home win vs Faroe Islands 
1-1 home draw vs Faroe Islands (UNL)

Malta Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-4-2

It's downright impossible to predict for Malta to get anything of substance here in this match. On top of the highly unlikely prospect of them actually winning and grabbing three points, you just can't see them scoring against Norway. Barring a disaster with multiple players sent off, it's not going to be a pretty night for Malta in Oslo as Norway trounce to a win that keeps their faint qualification hopes alive.

Malta have lost each of their last seven fixtures against Norway, only managing to net once in the process.