Slovenia vs Malta
World Cup Qualifiers – Europe (Group F)
Date: Saturday, 10th June 2017
Kick off at 17:00 UK/ 18:00 CET
Venue: SRC Stozice, Slovenia.
Slovenia
Realistic ambitions for Slovenia meant they were almost certainly prepared to try and finish with a Play Off spot out of this World Cup Qualifying Group. Facing two nations who had been in the Euro 2016 Finals meant that was arguably the best Slovenia could have hoped for and they very much have a chance of achieving that at the halfway mark of this Group.
It could have looked a lot better for Slovenia if they had avoided defeat in Scotland last time out, but they are still 3rd in the Group and only a point behind Slovakia. That makes the matches against the likes of Lithuania and Malta hugely important for Slovenia to make sure they are in a position to capitalise on their positive results against the 'bigger' nations in the Group.
Slovenia had been unbeaten in 7 games before the defeat in Scotland last time out and they have now won 1 of their last 4. The side have now lost 1 of their last 10 home Qualifiers, although Slovenia have only converted 6 of those into wins.
Malta
Avoiding finishing in the basement of this Group would have been the goal for Malta at the beginning of the World Cup Qualifiers, but that already looks like it may be beyond them. At the moment even earning a point in this Group would look to be an achievement for Malta who have lost all five World Cup Qualifiers.
It started badly for Malta who were crushed 1-5 at home by Scotland, one of the games they may have circled for an upset. Things have not got any better from there, although Malta have been competitive at times, and the best chance of a positive result for Malta looks to be in October when hosting Lithuania.
Some confidence may have been obtained from a 0-1 win over Ukraine in a friendly a few days ago though as Malta snapped a 16 game winless run. However, Malta have lost 7 of their last 8 away Qualifiers since their win in Armenia in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
Slovenia vs Malta: Head to Head Stats
The last time the nations played was in the reverse fixture in the group which Slovenia only won 1-0. The teams have only played once in Slovenia back in 2002 where the home side ran out 3-0 winners. There is a 60% chance to see under 1.5 goals. Slovenia has kept a clean sheet in 4 out of the 5 games that the teams have played in their history.
Slovenia vs Malta: Prediction
There is no doubt Slovenia will get the win but they are as much as 1/16 to do so. We will opt to go for the correct score for minimum stakes and our main stake will be Slovenia to win and over 2.5 goals.
Slovenia vs Malta: Betting Tips
Slovenia to win and over 2.5 goals at 1.45
Correct Score: Slovenia to win 3-0 or 5-0 at 5.00 odds and 9.00 odds respectively.
