Moldova coach Igor Dubrovolski will have five key players missing, ruled out through suspension or injury. Urmaritz is suspended whilst the other four are injured. Covalcukin considered to be the best Moldavian player at the moment who plays for Spartak Moscow is amongst the list of injured players and will not make it for the Malta game.
Dobrovolski is fearful ahead of today’s clash against Malta. He is expecting a tough game from an improved Malta side and was quoted in the local newspapers as saying that it will not be a tragedy in case of a defeat at home.
Dobrovolski also told Journal de Chisinau that he is not yet convinced of his starting line up but, for sure, he has to do without Sergiu Rogacoiv and Alexandru Gatcan who are both ruled out.
The Moldova mentor confirmed that this game against Malta will be a very tough game even though they are playing on home soil. The ex-Soviet union national player, now at the helm of the Moldova FA team, is also aware of the positive atmosphere within the Maltese clan and the fact that Fitzel’s players are coming from two positive results out of their last three outings is really worrying him. Dobrovolski still thinks that his side will be able to avoid a last table placing in Group C.
The game is expected to attract a full house at the Zimbru stadium in Chisinau where, in fact, a crowd of 11,500 is expected. Sources close to the Moldavian FA confirmed that this English style stadium will be definitely an asset to the home players due to the vociferous atmosphere expected.
On the other hand Malta coach Dusan Fitsel who was flanked on the top table by captain Gilbert Agius and vice captain Brian Said was very short in his answers to the Moldova press. He admitted that he has been studying some videos of Moldova. He did not give an indication how his tactical formation will be.
Gilbert Agius commented that this is not his first time that he is playing against Moldova and said that it will be difficult.
Brian Said confirmed that the spirit in the team is a positive one and looked eagerly to the afternoon training session to continue his preparation together with his mates for this game.