Preview: Malta vs. Republic of Ireland - prediction, team news, lineups

This is each nation's last outing before they commence their Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns in March.

Match preview

Having only recorded successive wins on one occasion during his stint as Republic of Ireland boss, there is a perception that Stephen Kenny is never safe in his current role.

The Boys In Green had the opportunity to build on their dramatic 3-2 success over Armenia when they played host to a Norway side missing Erling Braut Haaland on Thursday.

However, despite the absence of the Manchester City forward, Republic of Ireland went down by a 2-1 scoreline in Dublin courtesy of a goal five minutes from time.

Kenny has now overseen four defeats in seven matches and although a six-match undefeated streak preceded that, it feels like his side require a win on Sunday.

That particularly rings true when considering that they are due to face the likes of France and Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualification group.

In the past, playing Malta would have been regarded as a relatively routine fixture, but that is no longer the case as the Falcons look to make small strides up the international pecking order.

Although they recently finished behind Estonia in their UEFA Nations League group, both of their defeats to the eventual winners were by 2-1 scorelines, and Malta have only continued to improve.

With friendlies against Israel and Greece on their schedule, Malta may have been left delighted with a draw from one of those two matches, but their 2-1 success over the former was followed by a 2-2 draw with the latter earlier this week.

However, the second game was tinged with disappointment, Malta leading 2-1 with a man advantage when Greece got back on level terms four minutes from time.

Like Republic of Ireland, Malta have been provided with a tough Euro 2024 qualifying group, being placed alongside the likes of Italy, England and Ukraine.

Malta form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

L

D

Republic of Ireland form (all competitions):

L

W

D

L

W

L

Team News

With building momentum a priority, Gilbert Aguis will be against making many changes to his Malta XI.

Ferdinando Apap and Juan Corbalan appear most likely to come into the team after their early introductions against Greece.

Meanwhile, Kenny may want to hand game time to some of the Republic of Ireland players which started the Norway fixture among the replacements.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will hope to feature between the sticks, with Seamus Coleman and Darragh Lenihan playing in defence.

Liam Scales, Will Smallbone and Mark Sykes are all in line to make their debuts at some stage of the contest.

Malta possible starting lineup:

Bonello; Pepe, Apap, J.Borg; Corbalan, Teuma, Guillaumier, Camenzuli; P.Mbong, Dimech, Degabriele

Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:

Kelleher; Coleman, Collins, Egan, Lenihan, O'Dowda; Cullen, Molumby; Browne; Robinson, Obafemi

We say: Malta 0-1 Republic of Ireland

On the back of their result in Greece, Malta will have every belief that they can earn a result against Republic of Ireland. Nevertheless, we expect Kenny's side to do enough to grind their way to a narrow win ahead of attempting to upset the odds in Euro 2024 qualifying.

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