Malta will be facing Norway at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo today in its last but one Group H qualifier for Euro 2016.
The Malta squad had its last session of training yesterday and seemed to be well prepared for today’s match, even though the odds are heavily stacked against Malta.
At present, Norway lie in second place, two points ahead of Croatia, but it seems as if everything will depend on the final day next Tuesday to see who will be the two direct qualifiers from the Group. The third placed team will have to wait for the play offs to see whether they will be able to qualify.
In any case, it is evident that Norway will be seeking all the three points this evening, at least to maintain their two point lead over Croatia, who are expected to beat Bulgaria, also today.
Group leaders Italy will be playing in Baku, against Azerbaijan, and should make sure of qualifying by winning that encounter.
Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has taken a squad of 23 players and that includes Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech who is back after missing the last match – a 2-2 draw at Ta’ Qali – against Azerbaijan.
The missing players are Valletta defender Jonathan Caruana and Balzan midfielder Ryan Fenech – they are both recovering from injuries.
Ghedin is aware that the physically strong Norwegians could pose a lot of problems to our defence.
The Italian mentor is expecting to face an aggressive opponent hungry for points and therefore he is expected to adopt a more prudent approach than he did in the last few matches.
It is likely that he will play a 5-41 formation in an effort to keep the Norwegians as far away from our penalty as much as possible. The plan could be a defensive approach with a view to breaking away sporadically, that is, whenever the chance arises.
The two flank defenders should be Alex Muscat and Clayton Failla, while the central trio should comprise Steve Borg, Andrei Agius and Ryan Camilleri.
In midfield, Paul Fenech should be back in the starting line-up, combining with Roderick Briffa, Rowen Muscat and Andre Schembri, the latter probably also being requested to help the striker.
And up front, Ghedin is expected to make use of Balzan striker Alfred Effiong though he might also be tempted to start with veteran Michael Mifsud who was also on target in the match against Azerbaijan.
Malta squad:
Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello, Justin Haber, Andrew Hogg.
Defenders: Andrei Agius, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Zach Muscat, Alex Muscat, Justin Grioli, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Clayton Failla, Joseph Zerafa.
Midfielders: Roderick Briffa, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Rowen Muscat, Bjorn Kristensen, Steve Pisani, Clyde Borg.
Strikers: Andrew Cohen, Michael Mifsud, Andre Schembri, Alfred Effiong.
On TV – The match is being screened live by TVM, starting at 6pm.
Photo Domenic Aquilina