Faroe Islands play host to Liechtenstein on Monday evening looking to end a run of three successive defeats in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the visitors have lost four games in a row, their latest defeat coming by a 7-0 scoreline against Switzerland on Friday night.
Match preview
© Reuters
With the Faroe Islands having won just one of their last 10 fixtures, it is easy to negatively judge their progression under Hakan Ericson.
However, aside from a heavy defeat in Scotland, one of the minnows of the international stage have performed as expected since the appointment of the Swede in 2019.
The biggest challenge ahead of Ericson is being able to take this squad to the next level with seven home matches in succession due to be played until November.
The first of those came against Iceland on Friday night, the Faroe Islands only succumbing to a 1-0 reverse courtesy of a goal 20 minutes from time.
At a time when they were pushing the two-time major tournament participants all of the way, Liechtenstein were being thrashed by Switzerland in St Gallen.
Given that their hosts rested a number of their star men, the result will concern Martin Stocklasa who has now witnessed his team concede 16 goals in three fixtures.
The Blue-Reds have now gone eight games without success, the only two draws during that period coming against San Marino and Gibraltar.
Although Liechtenstein scored just twice during that period, Yanik Frick has shown signs that he could eventually emulate his legendary father Mario, whose 16 goals for his country is a national record.
- D
- D
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Despite this fixture being a friendly, Ericson may prioritise trying to end the season with a victory over rotating his squad.
Joannes Danielsen, Andreas Olsen and Klaemint Olsen appear most likely to come into the Faroe Islands team if Ericson opts for some fresh legs.
While Stocklasa could react to his side's capitulation on Friday, it is worth noting that they were only trailing by one goal when substitutions were made at half time.
With that in mind, Liechtenstein may line up with a similar starting XI with experienced midfielder Aron Sele most likely to be handed a recall.
Sandro Wolfinger is also an alternative to Maximilian Goppel in defence.
Faroe Islands possible starting lineup:
Gestsson; Danielsen, Faero, Vatnsdal, Davidsen; Valnhamar, Hansson, Andreasen, Hendriksson, M.Olsen; K.Olsen
Liechtenstein possible starting lineup:
Buchel; Brandle, Grunenfelder, Hofer, S.Wolfinger; F.Wolfinger, Sele, Frommelt, N.Frick, Salanovic; Y.Frick
We say: Faroe Islands 2-1 Liechtenstein
Both teams will view this fixture as the ideal opportunity to end their run of defeats. While we would not be surprised to see a low-scoring draw, the home side should be capable of edging this contest by the odd goal in three.
Top tip
Darren Plant
