Malta will be playing its second match in the current Euro 2008 qualifying Group C this evening in Frankfurt as it takes on Turkey, considered to be even stronger than Bosnia-Herzegovina who registered an easy 2-5 win at Ta’ Qali last Saturday.

It will be another difficult test for the Maltese whose main aim in this qualifying group is to try and avoid the last place.

Coach Dusan Fitzel accepts the fact that Turkey are a strong side having reached the semi-finals of the World Cup four years ago. “They will be stronger than Bosnia, but at least, we do not have to face them in their own den. I believe they will feel the absence of their passionate fans.” The match is being played behind closed doors due to a punishment by UEFA.

Fitzel was disappointed with the performance of the defence on Saturday against Bosnia, and although he is only expected to name his starting line-up this morning, it is evident that there will be some changes.

One expects Fitzel to bring in Steve Wellman on the left flank vice Ian Azzopardi, while Peter Pullicino or Kenneth Scicluna could be roped in to play on the right flank. Pullicino had played as a second half substitute last Saturday and performed admirably. Fitzel might also be considering giving goalie Mario Muscat the chance to get back into the team. Haber let in five goals on Saturday, although he was not at fault in some of them.

With the midfield and attack showing relatively good form against Bosnia, Fitzel will certainly be tempted to maintain the same players in his starting line-up, but there is always the question of whether he will need a second striker against a formidable side especially in an away game. In fact, he might still be considering whether to substitute the young and still inexperienced Andre Schembri with Ivan Woods, who may also be employed as an extra midfielder.

The Turks will certainly be expected to go all out for a good win. Coach Fatih Terim is urging his players to go all out to qualify from this group to push aside the disappointment of their failure to qualify for the Germany World Cup finals.

Malta probable line-up: Mario Muscat, P. Pullicino, B. Said, L. Dimech, S. Wellman; K. Sammut, G. Agius, C. Mattocks; J. Pace, I. Woods; M. Mifsud.