For our North Macedonia vs. Malta prediction, we're going for a 1-0 win for the home side.
North Macedonia face Malta on Thursday in a EURO 2024 qualifying match.
North Macedonia are looking to build on an unlucky World Cup qualifying campaign that saw them lose to Portugal in the final-play-off match after eliminating Italy in the prior game.
They enter this game amidst a poor run of form, however, having lost four and drawn one of their last five matches, scoring just twice in that period.
Their record at home is only slightly better too, having won one, drawn one and lost four of their last five games on home soil.
North Macedonia's recent record in competitive qualifying matches does at least offer some more encouragement having won five, drawn three and lost two of their last ten qualifying games.
North Macedonia have been exceptionally unfortunate having been drawn into a group containing Italy, England and Ukraine so the likelihood of them qualifying for the next EUROs feels very slim.
This game is by far the easiest of their qualifying calendar and they must take three points from it as their only hope of reaching this tournament is to reach the play-offs by being one of the best 3rd place sides.
Malta enter this game in a relatively healthy position having won five, lost four and drawn one of their last ten matches.
Similar to their opponents, Malta's hopes of qualifications for EURO 2024 rest on them being on the best 3rd place finishers and mounting a successful play-off campaign.
It's unlikely, of course, but they need to dream and they've been on decent form in recent times.
Their form away from home is quite concerning having won just one of their last five games on the road with that sole win coming against San Marino.
Their form in competitive qualifiers is pretty worrying having won one, drawn two and lost seven of their ten World Cup qualifying matches.
Malta will likely be the whipping boys of this group but their two games against North Macedonia represent their best opportunity to take three points.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.
