Malta vs Croatia
11th November 1945hrs
Football – International – 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Pick 3-0 Away Win
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 17/20 odds taken 1512 GMT, Wednesday 10 November
In 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group H on Thursday night, Croatia make the trip to the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali to face Malta. The Croatians find themselves two points behind leaders Russia with two games to play. After Thursday’s matchup in Malta, the 2018 World Cup runners-up end their campaign with a top-of-the-table clash with the Russians. Can Zlatko Dalic’s men secure a massive three points on Maltese soil before then? Read on for the latest odds and predictions?
Table of Contents
Malta Preview – Can the Maltese end home campaign with a shock win?
Malta are already eliminated from the group after picking up a mere five points from a possible 24. The Maltese have had a tough campaign, winning one, drawing two and losing five. However, they are currently above Cyprus on goal difference.
Malta picked up a decent 2-2 draw with Cyprus in Nicosia last time out, with Jurgen Degabriele’s equaliser coming in the 98th minute at the AEK Arena in Larnaca. Their one and only win during this campaign came back in September, with goals from Cain Attard (2) and Joseph Mbong giving them a 3-0 home victory over the Cypriots.
On their day, Malta are a capable outfit. However, Devis Mangia’s Falcons are the overwhelming underdogs in this one, with the bookies pricing the home win at 18/1.
Croatia Preview – Easy win for the Blazers?
Croatia are involved in a terrific tussle with Russia for first place in the group. The Russians hold the advantage right now, as they are two points ahead with two games to go. However, Croatia host Russia in Split in the final group match at the weekend.
Overall, the Blazers have taken 17 points from their eight fixtures. Croatia have picked up five wins, drawn twice and suffered just one defeat. They were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Slovakia in their last one, which could prove to be a pivotal result.
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Croatia have been solid on the road since the loss in Slovenia in March, and Vlatko Dalic’s boys should leave Malta with all three points on Thursday.
Malta vs Croatia Betting Advice
On 30th March, the Croatians eased to three points in the reverse fixture in Rijeka. It was goalless at the break, but Dalic’s troops were devastating in the second period. Goals from Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip Brekalo gave the Croatians a comfortable 3-0 win.
Croatia also did the double over Malta in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying. After a 2-0 home win, Perisic netted the only goal of the game in Ta’ Qali.
Key Facts – Malta vs Croatia Betting Tip
- Malta have picked up just one victory in Group H
- Croatia have suffered only one defeat thus far
- The Croatians won the reverse match 3-0
As Croatia hunt down Russia for top spot, only three points from this one will do for Dalic and his troops. Malta have found it tough going, and we fancy the Croatians to pick up another easy win over the Falcons. For a repeat 3-0 scoreline, check the solid price of 5/1.
Croatia have kept clean sheets in all five of their qualifying victories so far, including against Malta in Rijeka in March. Back the away side to win to nil here at 4/7.
The best betting odds for Malta vs Croatia
Malta to win: 18/1 at Bet365
Draw: 7/1 at Bet365
Croatia to win: 1/7 at Bet365
