Poland Faces Malta: Predictions, Team News and Lineup Preview

Poland travels to the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali for their final Group G World Cup qualifier against Malta on Monday, with their hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread. Following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, the Eagles are three points behind the group leaders and face a near-impossible task to finish first, while their hosts have already been eliminated from contention.

Poland’s chances were dealt a significant blow on Friday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands in Warsaw. Jakub Kaminski gave them a first-half lead, but Memphis Depay’s equalizer early in the second half ensured the points were shared. This result leaves Jan Urban’s side three points adrift of the Dutch.

To secure automatic qualification, Poland must defeat Malta, hope the Netherlands lose at home to Lithuania, and overturn a 13-goal deficit in goal difference—a highly improbable scenario. However, with a four-point cushion over third-placed Finland, Poland has already secured a spot in the playoffs and enters the final match on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

Malta’s World Cup journey has already come to an end, but they will approach the final matchday with renewed confidence. Emilio De Leo’s team secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Finland in Helsinki on Friday, their first World Cup qualifying win since September 2021, thanks to an 82nd-minute goal from substitute Jake Grech. The result ensures they will avoid finishing at the bottom of the group.

Despite their recent success, Malta has a challenging history against Poland, having lost all five of their previous encounters without scoring a single goal and conceding 15. Their last meeting in March saw Poland secure a comfortable 2-0 home victory.

Poland will be strengthened by the return of Bartosz Slisz and Przemyslaw Wisniewski from suspension. Slisz’s availability is particularly welcome after midfielder Sebastian Szymanski was forced off with an injury just 13 minutes into the match against the Netherlands. Slisz is expected to be a direct replacement in the starting lineup, while captain Robert Lewandowski is set to earn his 163rd cap.

Malta also welcomes back two key players from suspension: defender Ryan Camenzuli and Reims midfielder Teddy Teuma. Teuma is likely to return to the starting eleven, offering support to striker Irvin Cardona. Following an injury to defender Enrico Pepe late in the win over Finland, Jean Borg is favored to step into the backline.

Malta possible starting lineup:
Bonello; Muscat, Borg, Shaw, Corbalan; Satariano, Guillaumier; J. Mbong, Teuma, Chouaref; Cardona

Poland possible starting lineup:
Grabara; Kedziora, Ziolkowski, Kiwior; Cash, Slisz, Zielinski, Skoras; Zalewski, Kaminski; Lewandowski

We say: Malta 0-2 Poland

While Malta’s disciplined performance earned them a notable victory against Finland, they face a much tougher challenge against Poland’s potent attack. Even with their focus shifting to the playoffs, the visitors possess superior quality and should secure a comfortable victory to end their group stage campaign.

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