Estonia v Malta
23 September 1700hrs
Football – Europe – Nations League
Pick Estonia win
Bookmaker bet365
Odds: 1.70 odds taken 1126 GMT, Thursday 22nd September
Friday evening brings us the return of the Nations League and features this upcoming clash in League D/Group 2 between Estonia and Malta at A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn with Estonia looking to not only preserve their 100% winning record but also oust their Friday night’s visitors, Malta, for a top place finish at the summit of Group 2 with a win here.
Table of Contents
Estonia Preview – Can Estonia win three on trot?
Early back to back wins in this Nations League campaign have seen Estonia claim top spot on goal difference over their upcoming rivals, Malta, having registered wins against San Marino 2-0 at home which was followed by what could prove to be a decisive 2-1 win away from home at Malta, lifting the hosts into top spot.
With just two group games remaining of this three-nation Group 2, Estonia look to hold all the aces as they hold home advantage for this forthcoming top of the table clash against Malta, whom they’ve already beaten on their travels at the Ta’Qali National Stadium, while home form in the Nations League competition has seen Estonia lose just three of their previous eight home games in this format.
Although they’ve been handed defeats at home by Greece, Finland and Georgia, these are by no means a disgrace while Estonia have also picked up useful points at home in draws with the likes of Hungary, North Macedonia, Armenia and Cyprus as well as the 2-0 victory over San Marino this season.
In addition, Estonia are unbeaten in each of the previous four meetings against Malta, collecting three wins in the process, so the hosts will fancy their chances of securing almost guaranteed promotion up into the third tier with a win here on Friday night.
Estonia coach, Thomas Haberli, is expected to make one change for this upcoming clash with Maksim Pakstosi not featuring in the squad but otherwise, he may name an unchanged side of the one that registered the 2-1 win away at Malta last time out.
Malta Preview – Can Malta produce last-gasp upset?
Malta currently sit in 2nd place in Group 2, level on six points apiece with their hosts, Estonia, but trailing the leading nation by just a narrow one-goal difference as they make their way to Tallinn for this crucial group fixture which could determine promotion by the end of this upcoming 90 minutes.
Malta have also made a bright start to this Nations League campaign as the visitors have also picked up six points to date, although it’s taken them three games to record these six points as they’ve beaten San Marino home and away in 2-0 and 1-0 victories respectively, but have also slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Estonia as well.
After an average start to this Nations League competition, which saw Malta fail to win any of their opening nine games in this format and losing four of these matches, Malta have slowly but steadily made improvements which have culminated in previous wins against Latvia and Andorra respectively.
The visitors have also won their last two away games on the trot in the Nations League but they may have their work cut out away in Estonia on Friday night as the hosts will be brimming with confidence and know they need just one win to seal promotion up to League C.
Malta coach, Devis Mangia, has handed a first international call-up to Oxford United striker, Jodi Jones, and he may feature in the attacking ranks of the visitors for this clash with the visitors also keen to take the points.
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Estonia v Malta
Key Facts – Estonia v Malta Tip
- Estonia possess a 100% winning record after their opening two games
- Malta have won just 2 of their previous 7 away games in the Nations League
- Estonia are unbeaten in each of the previous 4 meetings against Malta (W3, D1)
Estonia have made an excellent start in their Nations League campaign which already includes a 2-1 win away at Friday’s opponents, Malta, so the hosts with home advantage, the upper hand over their visitors, and the incentive of knowing all three points in this encounter will seal promotion, Estonia look set to take the honours here at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn as the hosts look to earn some rare success.
The best betting odds for Estonia v Malta
Estonia to win: 1.70 at bet365
Draw: 3.50 at bet365
Malta to win: 4.75 at bet365
