Malta play their first international match of 2011 this evening when they take on Switzerland in a friendly at the National Stadium (kick-off: 8.30 p.m.).

For John Buttigieg’s men, this warm-up represents a final test ahead of the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Greece next month. The coach confirmed that today he will give some of his fringe players an opportunity to press for a starring role against the Greeks on March 26.

“Switzerland have become a force in European football and that makes our task even more difficult in this friendly. However, this test against Switzerland is appropriate and it came at the right time, too, as we prepare for our match against Greece.

“I think Switzerland and Greece have a lot in common but the Swiss, perhaps, are more technical. Besides, this is an ideal occasion for us to try out some players who did not have a lot of opportunities in recent internationals.”

Malta’s last international excursion was a 0-3 defeat to Croatia in another group qualifier in Zagreb last October. That upset left the team rooted to the bottom of Group F with no points from four matches.

But of more concern for Buttigieg is the team’s struggle to create chances and score goals.

In fact, Malta’s only goal in the group so far came from Jamie Pace in another 1-3 defeat in Israel last year.

“Our attacking play is certainly one cause of concern,” Buttigieg admitted.

“We have been working hard during training to try and improve our forward movement as we are not creating enough chances.

“There could be various reasons for this but in my opinion the main problem stems from lack of confidence. That, inevitably, is hindering our play.

“We expect to see some improvement against Switzerland because you cannot aspire to get positive results at this level if we don’t make the most of the chances that come our way.”

Goals always lift a team and Andre Schembri knows that weakness in this aspect has been a major concern for the players.

“Obviously, as a team, you always strive to score goals,” the Ferencvaros forward said.

“Unfortunately, we have struggled lately to push the ball forward but I hope it’s only a matter of time before we start scoring goals more regularly.”

Buttigieg is yet to decide on his starting formation but declared that all 18 players in his squad were fit and raring to go today.

He said Pace, who missed Valletta’s last two league matches, has now recovered completely from his foot injury and is available to start.

Asked whether he felt relieved that Michael Mifsud had finally decided on his club career, Buttigieg responded: “I’m happy for him more than anything.

“He knows it’s important for someone like him to play on a regular basis and stay sharp.

“We hope this continues even after his spell with Qormi is over because the national team cannot afford to have a player of that calibre staying idle and without a club.”

It was revealed yesterday that Malta FA technical director, Robert Gatt will be in Athens today to have a closer look at the 2004 European champions who play Canada in a friendly.

Edward Aquilina was initially appointed for the scouting job in Pireaus this evening but he pulled out of the trip as he is down with a bout of flu.

Meanwhile, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is set to give midfielder Blerim Dzemaili his first international start for almost two years at Ta’ Qali tonight.

The Parma midfielder has been in excellent form lately after recovering from a series of injuries.

Hitzfeld has a strong squad at his disposal and that includes the likes of Sampdoria’s Reto Ziegler, Arsenal’s Johan Djourou, Chievo’s Gelson Fernandes and Eren Derdiyok, of Bayer Leverkusen.

Next month, Switzerland play Bulgaria away in their next Euro 2012 qualifier.

Malta U-21

Malta U-21 will be in action this afternoon when facing the youth team of Serie A Catania at the Stadio Comunale di Pedara (kick-off: 3.30 p.m.).

This will be the first test for coach Ray Farrugia since taking over the reins of the team last month. He is set to try out new players as the squad step up their preparations for the opening matches from the 2013 European Championship.

Farrugia was forced to make a late change in his squad as Sliema striker Miguel Ciantar failed to recover from a knee injury suffered in his team’s 1-0 win over Floriana last Sunday.

Ciantar’s place in the squad was awarded to Ismael Grech, of Pietà Hotspurs.

Past Encounters

World Cup
18-11-92 - Switzerland-Malta - 3-0
17-04-93 - Malta-Switzerland - 0-2

Euro Championship
20-12-70 - Malta-Switzerland - 1-2
21-04-71 - Switzerland-Malta - 5-0
15-04-87 - Switzerland-Malta - 4-1
15-11-87 - Malta-Switzerland - 1-1