Our prediction for this match:
Malta
Match Time & Date:
21/03/2024
19:00
Prediction: 0-2
Slovenia
Malta will be aiming to claim a major scalp in Thursday’s program when they take on Slovenia in a friendly at Ta’Qali National Stadium (neutral location). Michele Marcolini’s troops are eager to put an end to their four-game losing run in all competitions and we are positive that they will leave their hearts on the field. Notts County forward Jodi Jones is widely expected to return to the starting XI after the 26-year-old came as a substitute in a 2-0 loss to England.
The Slovenians, on the other hand, did remarkably well to qualify for the upcoming European Championship finals and, no doubt, head coach Matjaz Kek will use upcoming warm-up games to test as many players as possible. Anyhow, Slovenia are more of a team than Malta and regardless of which players will be deployed in the starting XI, away triumph should be considered. A man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Leipzig’s ace Benjamin Sesko, who provided an assist for Xavi Simons in a 5-1 crushing of Koln at the weekend.
Highlighted Player (Miha Zajc):
Born in Sempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia, Miha Zajc started his career in Interblock, recording only five appearances before moving to NK Olimpia on a loan deal. In season 2013/14, the attacking midfielder made 13 appearances in the Slovenian Prva Liga, netting 5 goas in the process.
After yet another loan deal, now with Celje, Miha Zajc moved to NK Olimpia on a permanent deal. The player can perform as an attacking midfielder and as a central midfielder. During his 81 appearances for NK Olimpia, Zajc scored 20 goals and recorded 12 assists, which was good enough for the Empoli officials to sign the 24-year-old for about €1.7 million.
In 2017/18, Zajc helped Empoli win Serie B with 8 goals and 14 assists. Thanks to his good performances, he made his debut for Slovenia national team in March 2016 and has played in 5 games so far, with one goal on his tally.
Highlighted Team (Malta):
Back in 1957 Malta played their first international match. The Falcons faced Austria in their debut on the international stage and they suffered a 3-2 loss to Das Team in front of home fans in Gzira. The Malta Football Association joined FIFA in 1959, while joining UEFA the following year and they have been competing in the qualifiers for the major tournaments since 1962.
The Knights of Malta have yet to participate at the finals of the showpiece tournaments, but they often claim major scalps in the qualifying matches. Malta recorded their biggest win (7-1) against Liechtenstein on March 26, 2008, but a win over Hungary in the Euro 2008 qualifiers is considered their biggest achievement.
Speaking of friendly games, it has to be noted that Malta did remarkably well to beat star-studded Ukraine in Graz on June 6, 2017, with Zach Muscat scoring the winner for the minnows. In December 1983 the Maltese suffered their heaviest loss as they were crushed by Spain 12-1 in Seville.
Athletic Bilbao 
Barcelona
Tottenham
Liverpool
Real Madrid 
Mallorca
Sheffield United 
Cardiff 
Everton
Peterborough
Fulham
Watford 
