STAR PREVIEW: England v Malta

6-0, 7-0, 10-0, 14-0 – where do you stand on the England v Malta game?

For me, it’s a safe bet that England will underperform, as per usual, even against the minnows of Malta.

The pair have only met once previously and England’s 2-1 win would be more than enough for me to keep a million miles from backing them at around 1/50 today.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that Malta have only conceded more than three goals just once in 11 competitive games.

Despite winning their first (and only) game under Sam Allardyce, England were ultimately unimpressive in beating Slovakia in their World Cup opener needing a last minute goal to take the points.

Gareth Southgate is now in charge in what is only expected to be a caretaker role after the fiasco of Allardyce.

Southgate said: “I am hugely excited by the match.

“The sell-out crowd shows what England means to the supporters and I don’t think any country in the world will have a crowd like ours this weekend.

“My pride in leading the team is echoed by the players’ desire to do well. It has shone through how much they want to make the country proud. I believe over the next few years they will.”

Sadly we’ve heard it all before and after their woeful Euro 2016 the jury will remain out irrespective of what happens at Wembley this afternoon.

England v Malta
FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifier
17:00 ITV / ITV HD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Jun 2000 INTERNATIONAL Malta 1-2 England

England are suffering with injuries which against more competitive opposition would be a major factor but shouldn’t make much difference against Malta. For me though, it’s another reason to expect England to underperform and I’ll try a bet on Malta (+5) on the three-way handicap which is quoted as a 5/6 chance by Sam (NOT Allardyce) on the Star trading desk.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)

BACK MALTA (+5) on the three-way handicap 12 points at 5/6 with Star Sports

PROFIT/LOSS SINCE EUROS: +64.83 points

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