First Malta-Japan match in Duesseldorf today

Dusan Fitzel is likely to give forward Andre Schembri his first match for the national team as the Malta coach will put extra emphasis on speed work during today's friendly against Japan in Duesseldorf.

Fitzel did not divulge his formation to take the field at the LTU Arena for Malta's first official match against the Asian champions.

However, indications after the team's training session yesterday pointed to Schembri partnering Andrew Cohen in attack and Jamie Pace and Roderick Bajada teaming up with Kevin Sammut and Gilbert Agius in midfield.

Justin Haber played in goal in Malta's last match against Georgia in March. The US Quevilly no.1 will probably retain his place along with defenders Ian Ciantar, Luke Dimech, Steven Wellman and Ian Azzopardi who also figured for the national team in the 2-0 defeat to Georgia in the International Tournament.

Apart from two training sessions in Duesseldorf, the players also had the opportunity to analyse video footage of Japan in action.

No doubt, Fitzel is wary of Japan's swift movement on and off the ball and is looking to devise counter tactics to neutralise the threat of fast players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata.

Today Japan, based in Bonn for the World Cup, will be playing their last warm-up match before the finals. They are currently on a high after a two-all draw with hosts Germany in midweek.

On Tuesday, Japan were leading 2-0 at one point and created other scoring chances before succumbing to Germany's late rally.

After the match, Japan coach Zico said against Malta his defensive set-up will have to be tighter even though the focus today will probably be more on scoring goals against opponents ranked 125th in the world compared to Japan's 18th position.

Meanwhile, Zico's plans were somewhat disrupted yesterday after Naohiro Takahara, two goals against Germany last Tuesday, and strike partner Atsushi Yanagisawa, were rated as doubtful with knee and hamstring trouble.

Malta (probable): J. Haber, I. Ciantar, L. Dimech, S. Wellman, I. Azzopardi, R. Bajada, J. Pace, K. Sammut, G. Agius, A. Cohen, A. Schembri.

Referee: Knut Kircher (German FA).

Kick-off: 3 p.m.