On Sunday, Liechtenstein will host Gibraltar in a pivotal UEFA Nations League match at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz. Both teams are vying for crucial points to avoid relegation, making this fixture highly significant for their aspirations in the competition.
Match Preview:
Liechtenstein enters this match buoyed by a 1-0 victory over Hong Kong, which ended a staggering 41-match winless streak across all competitions. This long-awaited triumph was especially sweet, as it followed a humiliating loss to San Marino that had seen them become the team with the longest winless run in international football. The win has rejuvenated their spirits, and head coach Konrad Funfstuck will now seek to translate that momentum into competitive success, aiming for their first win in over four years in a competitive match.
The last competitive win for Liechtenstein came against San Marino in September 2020, and their struggles at home have been notable, with a goalless streak stretching over five Nations League matches. However, their performance in the reverse fixture, a dramatic 2-2 draw, could provide a psychological boost as they attempt to overcome Gibraltar.
Gibraltar, meanwhile, is coming off a 1-0 victory against San Marino, courtesy of a goal from Ethan Britto. This win placed them atop the standings in League D, as they seek to secure promotion back to League C. Despite a decent run of form at home, Gibraltar has struggled significantly away from home, suffering 14 consecutive defeats on the road and conceding an alarming 64 goals during that stretch. Their last away victory came against Liechtenstein in 2020, adding another layer of pressure on them to reverse this dismal trend.
Team News:
Liechtenstein:
Following their win against Hong Kong, Liechtenstein is expected to maintain a similar lineup. Captain Nicolas Hasler has been instrumental in their recent performances, scoring key goals, including the match-winner last week. With a potential 98th cap looming, his experience will be crucial for Liechtenstein’s chances.
Possible Liechtenstein Starting Lineup:
B. Buchel; Marxer, Wieser, Goppel; Hasler, Luchinger, M. Buchel, Sele, S. Wolfinger; Luque-Notaru, Saglam
Gibraltar:
Gibraltar will be without Joseph Chipolina, who is suspended due to a red card received in the last encounter with Liechtenstein. Manager Julio Cesar Ribas will look to his star players, including Liam Walker and Manchester United youth product James Scanlon, to provide creativity and goal-scoring threats.
Possible Gibraltar Starting Lineup:
Banda; Bent, Annesley, Tortilla, Olivero; Jolley, Walker, Lopes; Britto, De Barr, Scanlon
Prediction:
With Liechtenstein’s recent victory providing a much-needed confidence boost, they will look to capitalize on Gibraltar’s poor away form. The home side has the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings, and if they can build on their momentum, they may well secure a victory.
Prediction: Liechtenstein 1-0 Gibraltar
This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams eager to claim valuable points in their quest for survival and promotion in the Nations League.
