Estonia play host to Malta in League D Group 2 knowing that victory will secure promotion to the third tier of the UEFA Nations League.

Meanwhile, only a win will do for the visitors if they want to leave Estonia with work to do in their final fixture with San Marino.

Match preview

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Having lost their status in League C, Estonia went into this campaign determined that their stay at the bottom of this competition would be a short one.

As it stands, it is so far so good for Thomas Haberli's side, who have come through fixtures with San Marino and Malta with maximum points.

The pivotal moment of the group could have came last time out with Henri Anier's last-gasp goal in Malta earning a 2-1 victory for his nation.

Regardless of the result in this game, Haberli will be confident that the Blueshirts will overcome San Marino in their last group fixture, but that will not lower the desire to get the group decided on Friday.

Estonia also earned a goalless draw in an international friendly in Albania four days after their victory in Malta, something which should stand them in good stead ahead of this outing.

From Malta's perspective, they have already taken care of business against San Marino, posting 2-0 and 1-0 wins against one of the world's lowest-ranked sides.

However, that was their minimum expectation after their considerable improvements of late, Devis Mangia's side having now won four times in their last nine fixtures.

With Estonia still having to play San Marino, the Falcons will already be resigned to another campaign in League D, but they will be eager to post another standout result in their recent history.

Malta have conceded just three times in 2022, and the belief will be there that they can leave Tallinn having caused what will be considered a surprise.

Team News

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Haberli will make at least one change to his Estonia side with Tottenham Hotspur youngster Maksim Paskotsi not featuring in the squad.

Marten Kuusk appears most likely to be named in the back three, and that could prove to be the only alteration made to the team which beat Malta in June.

However, Anier scored the decisive strike having been introduced as a substitute, something which could lead to a recall for the 31-year-old.

While Mangia could go with an unchanged starting lineup, Oxford United forward Jodi Jones has been handed his first-ever call-up.

The 24-year-old may be brought into the final third if Mangia opts to use wingers rather than a front two.

Estonia possible starting lineup:
Hein; Tamm, Mets, Kuusk; Teniste, Kait, Vassiljev, Soomets, Kallaste; Kirss, Sorga

Malta possible starting lineup:
Bonello; Pepe, S. Borg, J. Borg; Mbong, Paiber, Guillaumier, Camenzuli; Teuma; Degabriele, Satariano

We say: Estonia 1-0 Malta

Having pushed Estonia all the way in the reverse fixture, Malta will be confident of replicating that performance on Friday. However, Estonia are playing this game with the backup of a game with San Marino still to come, and competing with less pressure should play into their favour.

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

Written by
Darren Plant

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