Malta – Kosovo : Preview & Prediction
Currently ranked # 120 in the FIFA Rankings, Kosovo starts this friendly against Malta (# 175) in Klagenfurt (Austria) having won seven of their last eight international commitments (E1) against countries currently ranked below them in the FIFA rankings. Two of those wins were precisely against Malta – both by a margin of two or more goals – after they opened the scoring in less than 30 minutes in each of those games.
Since joining FIFA as an independent nation in football matters in 2016, those led by Bernard Challandes have lost only one of their ten friendlies (G8, E1, P1), with all but two of those victories being accompanied. for an unbeaten goal. Additionally, it is also worth mentioning that their last five matches have seen one team lead with their unbeaten arc during the break (MT: G3, P2).
Malta’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland in this same venue last Sunday saw their winless streak extend to five games (E2, P3), and they have now conceded exactly three goals in two consecutive games. Although encouragingly, Malta have not conceded more than 2.5 goals in three consecutive international matches since October 2008.
Usually strong before half-time, the Devis Mangla-led side have conceded only once during the first half during their last five international matches away from Malta (W1, E2, P2). There is a lot of work to do to improve after the break, especially as he has conceded six of eight goals during the last two meetings between the two countries after the 60th minute.
Players to watch: Vedat Muriqi scored four goals for Kosovo against San Marino earlier this week, and has seen rival goals in the last two meetings between the two countries. For Malta, Luke Montebello is still on the hunt for his first international goal, but he has scored in eight of his last ten club-level appearances.
Highlight: Malta’s last three friendlies have seen the first goal be scored within the first ten minutes.
Malta – Kosovo : Betting Tips
Malta – Win Odds: 1.55
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
