Malta and Republic of Ireland conclude their international calendars for 2022 with a showdown in Ta’Qali on Sunday evening.

This is each nation’s final outing before they begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns in March.

Match preview

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Having recorded back-to-back victories on just one occasion during his period as head of the Republic of Ireland, there is a perception that Stephen Kenny he is never secure 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 the missing Norway team. Erling Braut Haaland on Thursday.

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

Kenny has now overseen four defeats in seven games and although a six-game unbeaten run preceded that, he feels his side need a win on Sunday.

This is particularly true when it is considered that they have to face France and the Netherlands in their qualifying group for Euro 2024.

In the past, playing in Malta would have been considered something relatively routine, but this is no longer the case as the Falcons are looking to make small steps in the international pecking order.

Although they recently finished behind Estonia in their UEFA Nations League group, their two defeats against the eventual winners were by a score of 2-1, and Malta has only continued to improve.

With the log[biet ta’[biberija kontra l-I]rael and Greece in the schedule[hom, Malta setg[et baqg[et kuntenta bi draw minn wa[da minn dawk i]-]two;

However, the second game was tinged with disappointment, Malta leading 2-1 with a man advantage when Greece returned to parity four minutes from the end.

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

Malta form (all competitions):

Republic of Ireland form (all competitions):

Team News

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With building momentum as a priority, Gilbert Aguis will be against making many changes in MaltaXIetig[u[afnabidlietfil-MaltaXItieg[u

Ferdinando Apap and Juan Corbalan they look most likely to make the team after their early introduction against Greece.

Meanwhile, Kenny may want to hand game time to some of the Republic of Ireland players who started the Norway match among the substitutes.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will hope that feature between the sticks, with Seamus Coleman and Darragh Lenihan plays in defense.

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

Malta possible initial formation:
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

Let’s 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 the Republic of Ireland. Nevertheless, we expect Kenny’s side to do enough to manage a narrow victory before trying to upset the odds in qualifying for Euro 2024.

For a data analysis of the most likely results, score lines and more for this match please click here.

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