Malta will be playing its sixth qualifier in Group C this evening in Oslo when it faces Oslo in a difficult match.

At present, Malta is occupying sixth place from the seven-team group with four points from five matches. Bottom of the group is Moldova with just two points.

After the last two matches, where Malta drew with Moldova 1-1 and then lost narrowly 1-0 to European champions Greece, enthusiasm is high in the Malta camp.

But the group is well aware of the big task ahead of it, compounded with the forced absence of two key players in the form of flank defender Roderick Briffa and central strongman Luke Dimech. Both are suspended but are expected to return to the side next Wednesday for the match against Bosnia Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

Fitzel is not expected to make any radical changes to his starting line-up. In last week’s news conference, he hinted that Kenneth Scicluna will partner Brian Said in the heart of the defence and that will make it possible for the return from injury of Stephen Wellman who could play on the right flank with Ian Azzopardi retaining his place on the left flank.

Captain Gilbert Agius is expected to lead the side in what should be his 100th appearance for the national team. The other midfielders are expected to be Jamie Pace, and any two from George Mallia, Ivan Woods and Kevin Sammut - all have been going through some impressive form with their respective clubs this season. Up front, Fitzel should field the usual combination of Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri.

For Mifsud, it will be a return to the country - Norway - where he played for Lillestrom until November of last year before moving to England where he is now a striker at Championship side Coventry City.

Fitzel is only expected to announce his starting formation a few hours before kick-off, but it should not differ much from the following:

J. Haber, S. Wellman, B. Said, K. Scicluna, I. Azzopardi; G. Agius, J. Pace, G. Mallia (K. Sammut), I. Woods; M. Mifsud, A. Schembri.

ON SMASH TV: The match is being transmitted live on Smash TV, starting at 8pm.