Slovenia vs Malta - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

Published on: 09/06/2017

Slovenia vs Malta - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

June 10, 2017 17:00pm - Stadium Stozice

World Cup Qualification - Group F

After missing out on Euro 2016 following a play-off defeat by Ukraine, Slovenia are looking to make amends by booking a place at next summer`s World Cup Finals in Russia. Their most likely route to that goal will be via a second place finish in Group F and yet another play-off.

As things stand, Sreko Katanec`s men are third in the standings just a point behind second-ranked Slovakia. Their cause was dealt a blow last time out when they fell 1-0 away to Scotland. Prior to that, they had remained unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions.

The hosts should feel confident about defeating a side that is rooted to the bottom of the table having lost all five of their qualification matches while scoring just two goals.

Having said that, Malta did raise some eyebrows with their 1-0 friendly win over Ukraine on Tuesday - perhaps the most significant result in the national team`s history and their first victory of any kind in the last two years. Taken in context, however, that win looks to be an anomaly as 13 of their previous 16 matches ended in defeat with the other three ended in draws.

With no points on the board, and five points separating them from the fifth-ranked team, there is little left for Malta to play for except pride.

Recent form (All competitions)

Slovenia: LWDDW

Malta: LLLLL

Betting odds and tips

Eight of Malta`s last nine away matches and 14 of their last 16 have produced Under 2.5 Goals and that result looks to be the choice bet again this this time.

You can back under 2.5 Goals at 17/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris