Lithuania vs Malta
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
Kick-off at 19:45 UK
Venue: LFF Stadium, Vilnius.
Lithuania will be a happy side after successfully earning a point
each from their first two fixtures of the World Cup 2018 Qualification
campaign. The draws have come against the two stronger teams in the
group – 2-2 against Slovenia and 1-1 against Scotland. It is worth to
note that the Lithuanians had the leads in both games, but conceded late
with seconds left of the clock.
Malta on the other hands are the weakest side in the group. However,
they will be satisfied to have avoided a goal fest in the last fixture
against England. Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli in the first
half sealed their fate in the 2-0 defeat on Saturday’s fixture. While
they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at home to Scotland in the opening
fixture on September.
Lithuania vs Malta: Head-to-Head Statistics
Malta earned a shock 2-0 win when they met Lithuania for a friendly on June 2015. In the two fixture prior to that Lithuania won 4-1 and a 1-1 draw. All three matches were friendlies and was hosted by Malta at the Ta’Qali National Stadium. So this will be Malta’s first visit for a competitive fixture to Lithuania.
Lithuania vs Malta: Prediction
Judging by the first two fixtures of the group, Lithuania look like a much improved side. They do not have a precise match winner, but rely on team work and a well-disciplined defense. If you look at their last three fixtures, they were all against stronger sides – Poland, Slovenia and Scotland. And they are unbeaten after settling for a stalemate in each of them.
This is Malta’s first visit to Lithuania and also the first meeting in a competitive fixture. They are win-less in the last 12 fixtures, with 3 draws during the period. While playing away from home, Malta are on a 16 match win-less run, losing 14 matches during the period. Lithuania looks good for a win and on current form they could be confidently backed.
Lithuania vs Malta: Betting Tips
Lithuania to win at 1.50
Over 2.5 goals at 2.25.
