Ilyas Chouaref will be the latest Maltese international to fly the Maltese flag in European club competition this season when Sion host Ajax tonight in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League tie.

The Swiss side face a difficult challenge against the Dutch giants, who arrive with considerable European pedigree and attacking quality. Sion will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters, but they are expected to face a tough examination against one of the competition’s strongest sides.

Chouaref is expected to start the match from the outset, with the Malta international likely to be one of Sion’s main attacking threats. The naturalised Maltese forward will be looking to use his pace, movement and creativity to cause problems for the Ajax defence.

For Chouaref, the match represents another opportunity to showcase his qualities on the European stage while once again representing Malta at club level.

With Sion playing at home, they will be hoping to produce a strong performance and take a positive result into the second leg. However, much of the attention will be on Chouaref, who could prove to be Sion’s number-one attacking weapon against the Dutch side.