On Saturday evening, two of the minnows of European football clash as Malta host the Faroes Islands in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.
Malta have failed to win in 16 international games and have in fact recorded just one win in 33 outings. The home side looks unlikely to challenge for qualification for Euro 2020 this time around, but they will be looking for an improvement in performances.
The home side has at least picked up draws against Azerbaijan, twice, and last time out Saturday’s opponents the Faroe Islands in their last five matches. Although Malta’s recent games have not necessarily been high scoring both teams have scored in five of their last six outings.
Unsurprisingly, Malta have failed to win in 15 games on home soil, suffering ten defeats in the process. Their most recent home games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four international outings.
Just like their hosts, the Faroe Islands have struggled for international wins in recent months, failing to win in their last five matches. However, the visitors have at least recorded three wins in their last 11 matches, an improvement on a previously poor record.
The Faroe Islands recent matches have been tight and low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five matches, including their last three internationals.
The visitors have struggled for results on their travels. They have failed to win in seven away games, suffering five defeats in the process. The Faroe Islands recent away games have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last nine matches.
The fact that the visitors have failed to score in five of their last seven matches on their travels has been a big factor in those recent low scoring games.
Forebet predicts that this will be a tight clash and finish in a low-scoring draw.