Malta has named the squad that will prosecute the important game against Slovenia.
The game, slated for November 11, is a Group F World Cup qualifier for Russia 2018. Also, Malta are set to place Euro 2016 surprise side, Iceland four days later. Both games are billed to hold at Malta’s national stadium, and the team is preparing seriously for both ties.
Malta has named the squad that will prosecute the important game against Slovenia.
The game, slated for November 11, is a Group F World Cup qualifier for Russia 2018. Also, Malta are set to place Euro 2016 surprise side, Iceland four days later. Both games are billed to hold at Malta’s national stadium, and the team is preparing seriously for both ties.
Malta national team coach Pietro Ghedin released the list of players for the games, and he included four Under-21 players in the initial squad. The coach bowed to calls to give a chance to the captain of the Under 21 Malta side, Ryan Camenzuli. Camenzuli led the team that qualified for Euro 2017 Under-21 tournament, garnering 11 points – a record for Malta. So far, he has been called three times under Ghedin. The player who plies his trade with Floriana is the only capped player of the four Under-21 invited youngsters. Samir Arab of Balzan, Dover Athletic’s Sam Magri and Daniel Zerafa, who plays for Tarxien, make up the list of youngsters.
Ghedin’s 26-man provisional list excludes Valleta defender Jonathan Caruana. The player is serving a two-match ban as he was sent off during the 2-0 loss to Lithuania in October. World football apex body, FIFA is still investigating the game against Lithuania due to the suspicious soccer betting patterns recorded.
On the other hand, as a boost, Barnet winger Luke Gambin is expected to return to the set-up after missing the 2-0 loss to England and the game against Lithuania due to suspension. His suspension was because he received a red card during the 5-1 loss to Scotland in September.
England are the group leaders with seven points, Lithuania and Slovenia have five points apiece while Scotland have four points. Malta are yet to get any point after three games.