Return of manager Minasyan can help Armenia beat Malta

6pm Tuesday

There is a spring in Armenia’s step following the return to the helm of the prodigal son Vardan Minasyan and he can get off to a winning start against Malta in Austria.

Minasyan was the coach during Armenia’s golden period at the start of the decade when almost qualifying for Euro 2012 was the highlight.

In the three years before and three years after his 2010-2014 reign, Armenia scored around 0.7 goals per game and conceded two per match, but between 2010 and 2014 they averaged 1.7 goals per game and conceded 1.15, so it is no wonder supporters have welcomed him back with open arms.

Arsenal’s Henrik Mkhitaryan and Maritimo's Gevorg Ghazarayan are the only survivors of that set-up involved in Wattens on Tuesday against a Maltese side who are also undergoing a rebuild.

Like Armenia they also have had a change at the top with Ray Farrugia promoted from the Under-21s and, predictably, he’s drafted several of the youngsters he has worked with into the squad for this friendly.

Farrugia has got work to do. Malta’s last win was a year ago and since then they’ve gone eight without success including seven defeats without scoring. They are still looking to 37-year-old Michael Mifsud for goals especially after the withdrawal of Apollon Limassol frontman Andre Schembri.

Armenia have lost only one of their last five matches and can win this game with something to spare.

Recommendation
Armenia to win to nil
1pt 11-10 Sky Bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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