Malta vs Russia
24th March 1945hrs
Football – International – 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Pick Draw & BTTS
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 10/1 odds taken 1450 GMT, Tuesday 23 March
Devis Mangia’s Malta welcome Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia to the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on Wednesday evening. These two nations will go up against Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Cyprus in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group H. Of course, the Russians are the clear favourites, but can the in-form Maltese cause an almighty upset on their own patch? Keep reading for the best betting odds and predictions.
Table of Contents
Malta Preview – Can the Falcons extend unbeaten run to eight?
Malta may be the big underdogs in this one, but the Falcons head into this World Cup qualifying campaign in excellent form. The Maltese have really kicked into gear after a poor UEFA Nations League loss to Faroe Islands back in September of last year.
Since then, Malta are undefeated in seven, picking up four wins along the way. During that superb run at the end of 2020, the Reds saw off Gibraltar, Latvia, Liechtenstein and Andorra. In their last fixture, Devis Mangia’s men drew 1-1 with Faroe Islands in the Nations League.
Malta have never qualified for a World Cup, or a UEFA European Championship for that matter. As tough as it will be, their preparation in terms of recent results has been excellent. Can they shock Russia in Ta’ Qali in midweek?
Russia Preview – Will the Russians begin with a win?
Stanislav Cherchesov’s Russia ended 2020 in pretty poor form. Since a 3-2 away win in Hungary in a Nations League encounter back in September, the Russians are without a win six.
Russia have lost three and drawn three of their last six and were thumped 5-0 by Serbia in their last outing. Before international football paused last year, Cherchesov’s boys were in stunning form in 2019, winning eight of nine. The nation could certainly do with getting back to winning ways sooner rather than later.
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Despite their poor form at the end of last year, Russia head to the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali as the clear favourites to get the win. Can they kick-start 2021 and their World Cup qualification bid with a vital victory away from home?
Malta vs Russia Betting Advice
Malta and Russia have only met once. In a friendly back in February 1996, Russia secured a 2-0 win. Wednesday’s matchup in Malta will be the first ever competitive fixture between the two countries. The pair will meet again in Russia in the reverse game in September.
Key Facts – Malta vs Russia Betting Tip
- Malta have won four and drawn three of their previous seven
- Russia are without a win in six, losing three and drawing three
- This will be the first ever competitive meeting between the two nations
Russia are the big favourites in this one, but Malta will be buoyed after their recent run of results. The Russians will no doubt provide their toughest challenge for quite some time, but we fancy the hosts to shock the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists by battling to a draw on home soil. Take a punt on the draw and both teams to score at the eye-catching price of 10/1.
The best betting odds for Malta vs Russia
Malta to win: 18/1 at Bet365
Draw: 7/1 at Bet365
Russia to win: 1/8 at Bet365
