Lithuania vs Malta Prediction: Tricolours to claim Kaunas spoils

The bottom two teams in 2026 World Cup qualifying Group G meet at the Darius and Girenas Stadium in Kaunas on Thursday (17:00), when fourth-placed Lithuania take on rock-bottom Malta.

Lithuania have two points from their opening three qualifiers, while Malta are one point worse off having played a game more. Below you can find my Lithuania vs Malta predictions featuring team news and betting tips.

Team news

Fedor Cernych could be handed a start that would see him move level with Lithuania's all-time appearance maker Saulius Mikoliunas (101), while Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis should be in the XI.

Edgaras Utkus was sent off in the 5-0 friendly defeat to Denmark in June, but that red card doesn't count for this fixture, meaning he will therefore line up in defence.

Matla will be forced into at least one change for this contest, with Matthew Guillaumier serving a one-game ban after picking up his second yellow card of qualifying in the 8-0 loss to the Netherlands. Jake Azzopardi could be handed a start in his place.

Football Odds

Lithuania to win @ 11/10

Thursday's encounter is unlikely to be one for the neutrals given the poor form both teams have shown in World Cup qualifying, but it is a contest Lithuania may have just enough in to pick up all three points.

Edgaras Jankauskas' side started off qualifying with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Poland, before registering back-to-back draws against Finland (2-2) and Malta (0-0).

As for Malta, they have collected just one point from a possible 12 on offer and they are yet to score a single goal in their four Group G games, leaving them propping up the standings.

Emilio De Leo's men have conceded 11 goals during qualification and they could end up on the losing side for the fourth time in five fixtures.

While Lithuania may be on an 11-game run without a win, they have shown that little bit more in qualifying than Malta have and the hosts can chalk up a victory.

Lithuania vs Malta Odds

Gytis Paulauskas anytime goalscorer @ 9/4

If anyone is going to get the scoresheet on Thursday then it looks like it could be Lithuania forward Gytis Paulauskas, who has been in solid scoring form for Dinamo Batumi.

The 25-year-old has three goals and two assists from six Erovnuli Liga matches this season and heads into this clash in high spirits.

In a contest in which it looks as if chances will be few and far between, Paulauskas may just have that extra edge to see him find the back of the net.

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