2026–2027 Nations League: Malta vs. Gibraltar—Probable Lineups
The Al Ta’ Qali National Stadium will host the match between Malta and Gibraltar, a Group 1 fixture in League D of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The home team heads into the match with high confidence following a string of positive results and aims to maintain its position at the top of the group. The visitors, on the other hand, are seeking their first win following a scoreless draw in their opener against Andorra.
Emilio De Leo’s Malta team is in excellent form. The Reds are coming off three consecutive wins across official matches and friendlies: following their 2-1 victory over Andorra on the first matchday of the group stage, they also secured 2-0 wins against Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. The Maltese national team wants to capitalize once again on home-field advantage to solidify its position in Group 1.
Scott Wiseman’s Gibraltar, on the other hand, has one point in the standings, earned thanks to a 0-0 draw against Andorra. The team is ranked 202nd in the FIFA rankings, compared to Malta’s 161st, and is looking for a positive result to snap a losing streak in head-to-head matchups: the Maltese national team has won the last two encounters.
De Leo is expected to make some changes from the last friendly match, bringing back several starters from the opening whistle. Among them are Paul Mbong on the wing and captain Matthew Guillaumier in midfield. Irvin Cardona is confirmed in the attack, while Wigan defender James Carragher will not be available.
Gibraltar, on the other hand, will rely on the skills of James Scanlon, who came up through Manchester United’s youth system, and the attacking experience of Tjay De Barr, flanked by Dylan Borge. Banda is expected to start in goal again, with Dan Bent at the heart of the defense.
Probable lineups:
Malta (4-3-3): Bonello; Muscat, Shaw, Pepe, Camenzuli; Guillaumier, Satariano, Teuma; Chouaref, Cardona, P. Mbong.
Gibraltar (3-5-2): Banda; Bent, Lopes, Valarino; Ronan, Mason, Torrilla, Pozo, Scanlon; De Barr, Borge.
