World Cup Qualification Europe - Malta vs Scotland

World Cup Qualification Europe - Malta vs Scotland

September 04, 2016 19:45pm - Ta`Qali National Stadium

World Cup Qualification - Group F

Scotland will be looking to qualify for their first major tournament in 18 years when they kick off their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign in Malta on Sunday night.

Scots looking to mount challenge in Group F

Scotland will being their World Cup qualification journey with high hopes of grabbing at least second spot in Group F. Having been drawn alongside England, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta, Gordon Strachan`s men will stand a realistic chance of achieving that goal if they can get off to a winning start in Malta.

The Tartan Army were the only home nation to miss out on participation in this summer`s Euro 2016 event and will be looking to make amends this time round. However, the game in Malta will be by no means be straight forward, and defeat could set a negative tone for the remainder of their campaign.

Scotland should have just enough quality to bag the win but they are unlikely to break any goal scoring records. In fact, 80% of their last 10 wins have come courtesy of a 1-0 score line (one exception being a 6-1 win over Gibraltar) and that bet should not be ignored this weekend. It should also be noted that five out of Malta`s last six home games have featured less than 2.5 goals.

Leigh Griffiths and Celtic teammate Kieran Tierney have both been ruled out alongside Crystal Palace`s James McArthur and Fulham`s Kevin McDonald. Heart`s Tony Watt (on loan from Charlton) and Rangers defender Lee Wallace have both been drafted in as emergency replacements.

Recent form (All competitions)

Malta: DLLDL

Scotland: LLWWW

Betting odds and tips

When Gordon Strachan`s team win a football match, there is a high chance that it will be by a single goal and that bet looks good value at 9/2 this weekend. If you want to increase your chances of winning at a price of closer to evens, a total goal count of Under 2.5 should also be considered at 4/5.

You can back a correct score of Malta 0-1 Scotland at 9/2 or Under 2.5 Goals at 4/5 -both with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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02/09/2016     © Frixo 2024