Russia vs Malta
7th September 1945hrs
Football – International – 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Pick Home Win HT/FT
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 1/2 odds taken 1156 GMT, Monday 6 September
In 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group H on Tuesday night, Russia welcome Malta to the Otkritie Arena in Moscow. The Russians are level with Croatia at the top with ten points apiece. As for the Maltese, they are second from bottom with four points to their name. This is a huge game for Russia as they battle with the Croatians for an automatic spot into next year’s World Cup in Qatar. Will Valeri Karpin’s men pick up a precious three points on home soil?
Table of Contents
Russia Preview – Easy win for the Russians?
Russia have been strong in World Cup qualifying up until now, collecting ten points from five games. After three wins, a draw and a loss, Russia are above Croatia at the top on goals scored. The pair look nailed on to finish in the top two, but who will reach Qatar as group winners?
Russia opened up with back-to-back wins over Malta and Slovenia but were beaten in game three by Slovakia. They got their qualifying campaign back up and running last week with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium. A few days later, goals from Aleksandr Yerokhin and Rifat Zhemaletdinov gave Russia a 2-0 victory in Cyprus.
With Slovenia and Slovakia ready to pounce on any mistakes, while the Croatians are always strong, Russia cannot afford any slipups in this one. The bookies have the home win priced at just 1/8.
Malta Preview – Can the Maltese cause an almighty upset?
Malta have won one, drawn one and lost three of their opening five qualifiers. They are only off the bottom of Group H on goal difference. The Maltese will be hoping to finish above Cyprus.
After losing to Russia, Malta caused somewhat of an upset when they held Slovakia to a 2-2 draw in Trnava. A 3-0 defeat to Croatia followed, but the Reds hit back with an impressive 3-0 home victory over the Cypriots, with Cain Attard (2) and Joseph Mbong netting. They were then beaten 1-0 by Slovenia last time out.
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This will no doubt be a stern test for the Knights of Malta, with the bookies offering 11/1 for an away win. Devis Mangia’s men would love a positive result here.
Russia vs Malta Betting Advice
The game in the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali back in March was the first ever meeting between these two nations. Russia ran out comfortable 3-1 winners on Maltese soil, with Artem Dzyuba, Mario Fernandes and Aleksandr Sobolev getting the goals.
Key Facts – Russia vs Malta Betting Tip
- The game back in March was the first ever meeting between the two
- Russia beat Malta in the reverse match in Ta’ Qali
- The Russians are top of Group H with ten points to their name
Russia will be looking for a comfortable home win as they look to keep up the pace with Croatia. They should be too strong for Malta at the Otkritie Arena in Moscow, and we like the look of 1/2 for the home team to be winning at half time and full time.
Since that narrow defeat in Slovakia in March, Russia have bounced back in September with two clean sheets. Have a punt on Russia to win to nil here at 4/6.
The best betting odds for Russia vs Malta
Russia to win: 1/8 at Bet365
Draw: 7/1 at Bet365
Malta to win: 11/1 at Bet365
