Ivory Coast vs Malawi Preview & Tips - Ivory Coast set for convincing win

Ivory Coast vs Malawi Predictions for Monday’s World Cup qualifier
Match is being played at 17:00 BST at Stade de l'Amitié
Can Ivory Coast continue their dominance over Malawi?
Tips, stats, preview & team news

Ivory Coast have won their last seven home matches (Getty Images)

Phil Lowe

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Ivory Coast vs Malawi Preview & Tips

Ivory Coast comfortably saw off Malawi a few days ago. The Ivorians now return home and should once again prove far too strong. My best bet is for the hosts to cover the -2 handicap.

Ivory Coast have won 6 of their last 9 matches (3 draws)(all competitions).
Ivory Coast have won their last 7 home matches (all competitions).
Ivory Coast have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 4 matches (all competitions).
Malawi have lost 9 of their last 16 matches (all competitions).
Malawi have lost their last 2 matches vs Ivory Coast to nil (World Cup qualifiers).

Head to Head

Ivory Coast hold a 4-0 advantage over Malawi in five previous encounters. There has been one draw.

These sides met a few days ago in FIFA World Cup qualifying with Ivory Coast winning 3-0 away.

Ivory Coast Form

Ivory Coast are in strong form and qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations by topping their group. They then beat Burkina Faso 2-1 at home and drew 0-0 in Ghana in friendly matches.

The Elephants began World Cup qualifying with a disappointing 0-0 draw in Mozambique. They bounced back to beat Cameroon 2-1 at home.

Their last match saw a 3-0 win in Malawi to go top of the group. Max Gradel, Ibrahima Sangara and Jeremie Boga scored the goals.

Ivory Coast Team News

Coach Patrice Beaumelle left five big players in Abidjan for the last match. All of them are in contention to feature this time around.

Wingers Nicolas Pépé, Wilfried Zaha and Max Cornet could be substitutes. Centre-back Eric Bailly is likely to start.

Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohouo, Sangaré Badra Ali, Cisse Karim

Defenders: Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Éric Bailly, Sinaly Diomande, Hassane Kamara, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Max Cornet, Odilon Kossonou, Ghislain Konan

Midfielders: Serey Die Geoffroy, Franck Kessie, Seri Jean-Michaël, Digbo Habib Maiga, Akpa Akpro Jean-Daniel, Serge Aka, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jérémie Boga, Traoré Hamed Junior

Forwards: Jean-Evrard Kouassi, Sébastien Haller, Gervinho, Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pépé, Max Gradel, Christian Kouame

Malawi Form

Malawi have been in mixed form. They qualified for the 2022 AFCON after winning their final two matches but then failed to get out of the group in the 2021 COSAFA Cup. The COSAFA Cup was however played with a severely weakened side.

They lost their opening Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier 2-0 in Cameroon. That was followed by a 1-0 home win against Mozambique to get back on track in a very strong group.

Malawi were unfortunately nowhere near the races in Ivory Coast. They lost 3-0 just a few days ago despite the visitors resting several star players.

Malawi Team News

Coach Meck Mwase surprisingly left striker Richard Mbulu on the bench for the last match. He should be recalled after netting the winner against Mozambique.

Centre-back Limbikani Mzava is carrying a knock. If the does not recover, then Peter Cholopi is on standby to deputise.

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali, Richard Chipuwa, Ernest Kakhobwe

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Limbikani Mzava, Dennis Chembezi, Charles Petro, Kieran Ngwenya, Gomezgani Chirwa, Nickson Mwase

Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa, Peter Banda, Micium Mhone, John Banda, Yamikani Chester, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Tawonga Chimodzi, Mike Mkwate, Francisco Madinga, Duncan Nyoni

Forwards: Vincent Nyangulu, Richard Mbulu, Gabadinho Mhango, Khuda Muyaba