Malta will be looking to make it four consecutive victories in all competitions when they continue their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign against Gibraltar at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali on Thursday evening.

The Maltese side began their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory away to Andorra, while Gibraltar opened their Group 1 campaign with a goalless draw against the same opponents.

Emilio De Leo’s side will head into the match in confident mood after recording three successive victories. Following the win in Andorra, Malta defeated Liechtenstein 2-0 in a friendly last time out, having also beaten Azerbaijan 2-0 on 5 June.

Malta currently sit top of Group 1 in League D. With League D set to be removed from the competition for the 2028-29 edition, all teams currently competing at this level are guaranteed promotion to League C.

The Maltese have also enjoyed a perfect record in their previous two meetings with Gibraltar, winning both encounters. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-0 Malta victory in a friendly in September 2023.

De Leo’s team will be aiming to build on their recent results and collect another three points before facing Andorra again at home on 4 October.

Gibraltar, meanwhile, began their Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Andorra, leaving them second in Group 1 with one point. Thursday’s match will be their only Nations League fixture during this international window, although they are scheduled to face Liechtenstein in a friendly on 5 October.

Scott Wiseman’s side currently occupy 202nd place in the FIFA rankings, while Malta are ranked 161st.

Gibraltar have recorded five wins, six draws and nine defeats from their 20 previous Nations League matches. They previously competed in League C during the 2022-23 edition of the competition.

Liam Walker remains Gibraltar’s all-time leading goalscorer with eight international goals.

Malta expected to make changes

De Leo is expected to make changes to the team that started the friendly against Liechtenstein, with Paul Mbong among those likely to return to the starting line-up.

Irvin Cardona, who has scored three goals for Malta, is expected to once again lead the attacking line, while Matthew Guillaumier should retain the captain’s armband in midfield.

James Carragher is a notable absentee from the current Malta squad.

Gibraltar are expected to include former Manchester United attacker James Scanlon, who now plays for Arsenal, in their starting line-up.

Dan Bent is also expected to feature, while Tjay De Barr, who has scored four times for his country, should lead the attack. Dylan Borge is another player likely to be involved.

With both sides looking to strengthen their position in Group 1, Malta will be aiming to make home advantage count and maintain their impressive run of results under De Leo.