Gibraltar go in search of a victory to avoid finishing bottom of UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group D1 but face a tough test against in-form group leaders Malta.
Match News and Current Form
After remaining unbeaten across their prior six games (W3, D3), Gibraltar were brought crashing back down to earth on Friday as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Andorra. That latest defeat means that a bottom-placed finish in UNL Group D1 is assured unless they win here, with Scott Wiseman’s men still without a victory in this cycle (D2, L1). A root cause of that is their poor attacking record with Gibraltar scoring just once so far, though that did come in the reverse fixture, and a four-game unbeaten home run (W2, D2) in which they’ve managed to keep three clean sheets should offer some hope here.
With seven points from a possible nine (W2, D1), Malta stand on the verge of winning UNL Group D1 ahead of their promotion to League C for the first time. The visitors enter this clash unbeaten in six matches since June (W4, D2) and on the verge of equalling their longest undefeated stretch in their nation’s history, which stands at seven and ended back in November 2020. Malta are big favourites to do just that as they arrive here unbeaten across their last 14 internationals against sides ranked lower than themselves (W12, D2), conceding just six times during that run.
Head-to-Head History
After winning their first game against Malta in June 2014, Gibraltar are winless across the three meetings since (D1, L2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Just one of Gibraltar’s last eight UNL fixtures saw either team score multiple goals.
Gibraltar have failed to score in eight of their last 11 home games.
Just two of Malta’s last nine UNL matches have seen both teams score.
All three of Malta’s games in this UNL cycle stood level at half-time.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
James Scanlon has four goals across his last seven caps for Gibraltar, with two of those coming between the 60th and 70th minute, including one in the reverse H2H. Malta’s Joseph Mbong also netted in that match, with three of his last four international goals serving as match openers.
Gibraltar are likely without Ethan Jolley who went off injured in their last match, while Malta look to be without any fresh injury concerns.
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Betting Analysis
With Malta in good recent form and Gibraltar struggling for goals, backing the away side to win and keep a clean sheet could make sense.
Author: Nathan Evans