Kosovo vs Malta
UEFA Nations League
Date: Thursday, 11th October 2018
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Fadil Vokrri Stadium (Pristina).
Kosovo
The newly appointed FIFA nation had a horror 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, losing nine of their 10 games and scoring just three goals. However, manager Bernard Challandes took over in March and has transformed Kosovo into a competitive team, unbeaten in their five matches under the Swiss boss.
Kosovo beat Madagascar 1-0, Burkina Faso 2-0, Albania 3-1 in friendlies before getting their UEFA Nations League campaign underway. A 0-0 draw in Azerbaijan and a 2-0 win against Faroe Islands was a solid start. Hardly top level opposition, but five clean sheets is a good foundation to build on.
Sheffield Wednesday striker Atdhe Nuhiu and Heerenveen forward Arbër Zeneli scored the goals against Faroe Islands. Zeneli scored twice against Albania and is in great form with five assists in his last four appearances in the Eredivisie.
The Dardanians will look to Lazio midfielder Valon Berisha and Werder Bremen winger Milot Rashica for leadership. Both players are shaking off injuries but will see this as a great chance for a run out.
Malta
Malta have very little to be happy about, as the small island nation very rarely win games of football. The Falcons drew one and lost nine of their 2018 World Cup qualifiers and it hasn’t got much better since.
Friendly defeats against Estonia, Luxembourg, Finland and Georgia followed before the UEFA Nations League began. A 3-1 loss in the Faroe Islands with Michael Mifsud on the score sheet was followed by a 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan with Andrei Agius netting a penalty.
Apollon Limassol forward André Schembri needs to step up, but at 32-years-old, time is running out for him to make a difference on the national stage. Manager Ray Farrugia is up against it with a squad lacking top level talent.
Kosovo vs Malta Head-to-head
This is the first match-up between Kosovo and Malta.
Kosovo is on a five-match winning streak at home and six-match unbeaten streak in total.
Malta is on a 12-match winless streak
Malta has just one win in their last 25 matches.
Malta has conceded 25 goals in their last 11 matches.
Kosovo vs Malta Prediction
Kosovo is the favourite to win this game against Malta. The visiting side is plagued with problems and Kosovo, at home, will have no problem butchering away Malta.
Kosovo is on a streak of five wins at home, and they have scored 12 goals in these five games. Whereas Malta is on a 12-match winless streak, and they have conceded 25 goals in their last 11 matches.
Malta, with just one win in their last 25 matches, would be having no expectations against the in-form Kosovo. Expect the match to be largely one-sided, with Kosovo dominating the entire way. Goals will be put past the visiting side with considerable ease.
Kosovo vs Malta Betting Tips
Over 2.5 match goals @ 1.75 (3/4)
Half Time/Full Time: Kosovo/ Kosovo @ 1.85 (6/7).