Malta all out to claim a positive result in Torshavn

After losing the last six games, Malta will be all out to get a positive result as it takes on the Faroe Islands in another match from Group F of the European Qualifiers leading to EURO 2020 at the Tórsvøllur in Tórshavn on Tuesday, kick-off at 20:45.

Three points separate the two teams after Malta had won the opening game at Ta’ Qali 2-1, courtesy of Kyrian Nwoko and Steve Borg with Jakup Thomsen scoring a consolation goal deep into stoppage time for the Faroe Islands.

Photos:  Copyright © 2019 domenic aquilina

This qualifying campaign had otherwise been far from impressive for the two teams as Malta lost the other six matches and the Faroe Islands are still seeking their first point in the group. In seven matches, Malta scored just two goals and conceded seventeen while the Faroe Islands scored three and conceded twenty three. Ironically Nwoko and Borg’s goals against the Faroe Islands were the only goals scored by Malta in this campaign.

With two matches to go, the match in Torshavn provides an excellent opportunity for Malta to make sure of avoiding the bottom spot.

However it will be no easy game for Malta considering that in three matches played in the Faroe Islands, Malta had always finished on the losing end, suffering a 2-1 defeat in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, a 3-2 defeat in a friendly match in August 2004 and last year’s 3-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League. In seven matches, Malta had managed to win twice – with another game ending in a draw. Apart from that, for the Faroe Islands, this game provides the only realistic chance to get the three points and join Malta on the three-point mark.

Despite Saturday’s disappointing 0-4 defeat to Sweden, Malta coach Ray Farrugia is not expected to make wholesale changes to the line-up. However Steve Borg, Paul Fenech and Michael Mifsud are expected to be named in the starting line-up. On Saturday, Borg was retained on the bench while Fenech and Mifsud were utilised as substitutes.

Henry Bonello will therefore start in goal with Steve Borg, Andrei Agius and Zach Muscat playing a the back, Joseph Mbong and Joseph Zerafa on the flanks, Rowen Muscat, Paul Fenech and Luke Gambin in midfield with Michael Mifsud and Kyrian Nwoko in attack.