Lithuania will welcome Malta to the Darius and Girenas Stadium for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash on Thursday evening. Both teams are currently struggling at the bottom of their qualifying group.
Indeed, Lithuania are currently in fourth place with just two points in three games so far, while Malta are bottom with just one point from their first four matches. Both teams are unlikely to qualify for the World Cup in their current state, with Finland, the Netherlands and Poland more equipped at this moment in time.
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Lithuania vs Malta prediction: Bottom sides to settle for a point apiece?
Key stats
- Lithuania have not won a game in any competition since June 2024.
- Malta are winless in four games in total in all competitions, losing three of them.
- Lithuania are unbeaten in three H2Hs across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Lithuania 0-0 Malta
These two teams have only scored a mere two goals between them in qualifying so far, with both going to Lithuania. However, the hosts are in horrible form at the moment, and so we are backing Malta to hold them to a draw here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Lithuania installed as favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Lithuania are the favourites with bookmakers to take home all three points. A draw is rated at just over 32%, while a Malta win away from home can be backed at just under 26%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Lithuania aiming to extend unbeaten run
As mentioned before, Lithuania are unbeaten in three meetings in total in all competitions. The previous H2H, which was the reverse fixture in qualifying, finished as a 0-0 draw.
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 05/10/17
Malta
Lithuania
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 11/10/16
Lithuania
Malta
International Match 08/06/15
Malta
Lithuania
Lithuania preview: A number of key players missing for hosts
Lithuania are going to be without a number of key players for this clash. Indeed, Kipras Kazukolovas, Matas Vareika, Pijus Sirvysm Vykintas Slivka and Armandas Kucys are all expected to miss out for the hosts.
Predicted lineup: Gertmonas (GK), Upstas, Lasickas, Utkus, Tutyskinas, Ginetis, Dolzinkov, Golubikas, Vorobjovas, Jankuaskas & Petkevicius
Last five results:
- Denmark 5-0 Lithuania
- Malta 0-0 Lithuania
- Lithuania 2-2 Finland
- Poland 1-0 Lithuania
- Kosovo 1-0 Lithuania
Malta preview: A couple of players to make debuts for visitors?
Both Irvin Cardona and Jake Brimmer could make their debuts for Malta. Captain Matthew Guillaumier is unfortunately banned for the visitors though, however, Ilyas Chouaref has returned from suspension.
Predicted lineup: Bonello (GK), Muscat, Pepe, Camenzuli, Borg, Chouaref, Satariano, Brimmer, Cardona, P Mbong & J Mbong
Last five results:
- Netherlands 8-0 Malta
- Malta 0-0 Lithuania
- Poland 2-0 Malta
- Malta 0-1 Finland
- Malta 1-0 Gibraltar
Player to watch: Gvidas Gineitis
Gvidas Gineitis scored for Lithuania in a 2-2 draw at home to Finland in qualifying. He has earned 20 senior caps for his country, scoring twice, and will be a player that Malta will have to tightly mark.