Malta – Ukraine : Preview & Prediction
Malta will not play in Euro 2024 after suffering six consecutive defeats during their qualifying campaign, which recently included a 4-0 drubbing by Italy at the weekend. This extends their absence from the continental competition for yet another edition, something Maltese fans should be used to considering they have participated in all but one qualifying campaign since 1964, failing in every attempt.
This comes as no surprise considering that their 15 goals conceded are complemented by just one goal scored, a clear reflection of their problems at both ends of the pitch. In fact, they are currently on a run of 15 consecutive defeats in Euro qualifiers, with only a third of those games seeing Malta lose by a single goal, including a 1-0 defeat in the previous match against their opponents.
A war-torn Ukraine side are looking to make a fourth successive European Championship appearance and a win would be a crucial boost to their chances, especially as their final match will be against second-placed Italy. Their fate will not be determined on this matchday, for better or worse, but they could overtake Italy with a win in this match if the Azzurri fall to Group C leaders England.
But before focusing on future matches, it should be remembered that Ukraine lost to Malta in a friendly in June 2017. With both defeats in this qualifying campaign suffered on rival soil, the Blue and Yellows should be a little cautious on this visit, despite those losses coming against opponents above them in the group.
Players to watch: Paul Mbong has yet to score a goal for Malta, but he is quickly earning a reputation as a card collector with four consecutive cautions for club or country. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko assisted Ukraine’s first goal and picked up a yellow card in the recent clash against North Macedonia, but will surely look to score here as his last three international goals were recorded playing away from home.
Key stat: Malta’s national team allowed the first goal before the 15th minute in its last six home Euro qualifiers.
Malta – Ukraine : Betting Tips
Ukraine – Win Odds: 1.35
