Malta vs Andorra – News and Probable Lineups

Andorra heads to the National Stadium for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture, still seeking their first-ever win against Malta in history.

With no threats to their progress, as teams in both League D groups are advancing to League C, the upcoming match is more about gaining momentum for both sides rather than any high stakes.

Match overview

Malta is on the verge of promotion to League C in the Nations League and has been performing well, making it a likely outcome given their recent performances.

Last season, Luxembourg defeated the Reds in the promotion playoffs, however, Malta has kicked off this year’s competition in impressive form, winning 2-1 against Andorra and earning a draw against Gibraltar.

While Sunday’s fixture doesn’t hold heightened importance, Emilio De Leo’s team has two significant elements depending on the outcome in Ta’ Qali.

Historically, Malta has faced Andorra seven times and has remained unbeaten in all encounters, including three wins in their last four matches after drawing in their initial three meetings.

Should they avoid defeat for an eighth consecutive time in their next Nations League clash, this ongoing unbeaten streak could boost their momentum for future challenges.

Indeed, fans at home will be eager to see their team through the third matchday without a defeat, not only because of their historical track record but also due to the recent results from the Bishops.

Koldo Alvarez’s side has not secured a win in their last four matches across all competitions, suffering three losses in this stretch.

The Tricolours are also grappling with a long-standing struggle with scoring, having found the net in just two of their previous ten fixtures across all tournaments.

During this timeframe, they achieved just one victory, emphasizing their struggles in delivering promising performances and results, which resulted in seven defeats.

These outcomes highlight Andorra’s dire circumstances going into their upcoming match, as the lack of scoring leaves them with slim chances of success against the Reds.

Team News

Malta does not have any injury concerns to manage ahead of Sunday’s match, giving De Leo a full squad to select from for matchday three.

Irvin Cardona and Teddy Teuma both performed excellently in the previous fixture two weeks ago, each contributing with goals and assists, and they will be looking to play a pivotal role once more.

On the wings, Ylas Chouaref has the capability to make an impact and will aim for another standout performance against Andorra.

The visitors may be reliant on Guillaume Lopez, who scored in the earlier clash, bringing his tally to five goals in three matches at that time; however, he has not found the back of the net against Gibraltar and Lithuania since then.

Albert Rosas and Jordi Alaez, on the other hand, have both tallied more international goals—five and four respectively—than Lopez, who has only netted twice for the Bisbes.

Malta probable starting XI:

Bonello; Corbalan, Shaw, Pepe, Camenzuli; Guillaumier, Satariano; Mbong, Teuma, Chouaref; Cardona

Andorra probable starting XI:

Alvarez; Source, Llovera, Olivera, Nicolas; Planes, Muller; Alaez, Lopez, Rodrigo; Garcia

Even though the upcoming changes in format have lessened the competitive edge, Malta will look to continue their dominant historical performance in front of a vibrant home crowd.

With Teuma and Cardona directing the attack against an Andorran team that is struggling notably with scoring, the Reds are anticipated to show their quality and secure a convincing win in Ta’ Qali.