Malta will be facing possibly the toughest task in this qualifying campaign this evening when it meets mighty Spain in Cadiz.

It is the last but one match in this campaign. The final match will be played at Ta' Qali next Monday.

There is no need to outline the strength of the Spanish team. They are certainly one of the best sides in the world and possess players with a lot of quality and talent.

The Spaniards have already qualified for next year's finals and coach Roberto Moreno may be able to give debuts to Dani Olmo, Pau Torres and, at some stage, Paco Alcacer.

Moreno's message to his players has always been to win their matches. And this includes today's clash against Malta, and then the final one against Romania.

Malta is certainly aware that it will be facing a tough time against such a top world side.

Coach Ray Farrugia said his players are prepared for this game. "We all know this will be a very difficult test for us. Three days later we meet Norway at home in our final qualifier. This will be another tough match against a strong team but we will be doing our utmost to put in good performances in both games and try to end this qualifying competition on a bright note."

Farrugia added that they will be missing Gozitan defender Ferdinando Apap who had to remain at home due to the very poor weather conditions which impeded him from making the trip by ferry from Gozo to Malta.

The coach said that there is Steve Borg in the squad in Mamo's place. "Borg is suspended for this evening's clash, but he will be available next Monday in the match against Norway.

Either Joe Zerafa or Juan Carlos Corbolan will be taking the place of Ferdinando Apap in defence.

It is interesting to note that Spain have only conceded five goals in their last nine matches.

Eighteen of Spain's last 25 goals have been scored in the second half of matches.

Spain are unbeaten in 26 (23 wins and 3 draws) EURO and World Cup qualifiers, since a 2-1 loss in Slovakia in October 2014.

Malta have lost their last seven matches without scoring.

Malta have scored more than once in only one of their last 38 matches. Malta ended a 29-match winless run (drawn 5 lost 24) in EURO qualifying beating the Faroe Islands 2-1 in March.

 

Probable line-ups

Spain: Arrizabalaga; Navas, Ramos, Pau Torres, Gayá; Cazorla, Rodri, Fabiàn; Oyarzabal, Morata, Olmo

Malta: H. Bonello; Z. Muscat, J. Caruana, A. Agius, J. Mbong; J.C. Corbalan, D. Vella, R. Muscat, L. Gambin; M. Mifsud, K. Nwoko