Malta vs Estonia prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Nations League 2022-23
Estonia are back in action with another UEFA Nations League fixture this week as they lock horns with Malta on Thursday. Both teams have been inconsistent in the recent past and have a point to prove this week.
Malta are at the top of their group in League D and have been fairly impressive so far this season. The island nation eased past San Marino 2-0 last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Estonia, on the other hand, are in second place in the group and will need to step up to secure the top spot. The Baltic outfit suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Lionel Messi last week and will need to bounce back in this match.
March 2012: Leo Messi scores five against Leverkusen
June 2022: Leo Messi scores five against Estonia
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Malta vs Estonia Head-to-Head
Malta and Estonia are on an even footing as far as the official head-to-head record is concerned and have won two games apiece out of a total of six matches played between the two teams.
The previous meeting between the two sides took place in 2017 and ended in a 3-0 victory for Estonia. Malta were poor on the day and face yet another uphill battle this week.
Malta form guide: W-L-W-W-L
Estonia form guide: L-W-L-L-L
Malta vs Estonia Team News
Malta
Malta have no discernible injury concerns at the moment and have been in impressive form in recent weeks. The hosts are unlikely to make drastic changes to their team for this fixture.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: None
Estonia
Estonia also have a fully-fit squad at their disposal and will need to field their best team this week. Henri Anier and Sergei Zenjov have stepped up for their team in the past and will likely lead the line against Malta.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: None
Malta vs Estonia Predicted XI
Malta Predicted XI (3-4-3): Henry Bonello; Karl Micallef, Enrico Pepe, Zach Muscat; Joseph Mbong, Ryan Camenzuli, Teddy Teuma, Matthew Guillaumier; Paul Mbong, Jurgen Degabriele, Luke Gambin
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Estonia Predicted XI (3-5-2): Karl Jakob Hein; Joonas Tamm, Märten Kuusk, Karol Mets; Sergei Zenjov, Vladislav Kreida, Mattias Käit, Konstantin Vassiljev, Vlasiy Sinyavskiy; Henri Anier, Sergei Zenjov
Malta vs Estonia Prediction
Estonia were humbled by a Lionel Messi masterclass this week and will be intent on proving their mettle in this fixture. The Estonians have experienced players in their ranks and will need to step up on Thursday.
Malta have improved over the past year but will face a tough test this week. Estonia are the better team on paper at the moment and hold the upper hand going into this game.
Prediction: Malta 1-2 Estonia