In a World Cup qualifying campaign where Malta have collected only three points but won many admirers for their spirited displays, the 6-0 rout to Bulgaria in March has been the only blot on their copybook.

Even before the 2-1 home defeat to Denmark on Friday, Malta wing-back Clayton Failla had spoken of his resolve to avenge the Sofia debacle in the home game against Bulgaria.

Redemption will be uppermost in the minds of the Maltese players when they stride on to the National Stadium pitch tonight to face Bulgaria but they are also fully aware that their task will be anything but straightforward.

Bulgaria will be hellbent on picking maximum points to consolidate second place in a tight Group B where only one point separates the four teams behind runaway leaders Italy who will seal qualification if they beat Czech Republic today.

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin is readying his troops for an arduous test but reiterated his confidence in his team’s abilities.

“Basically, there are four teams in the same position as Bulgaria are on 10 points and Czech Republic, Armenia and Denmark have nine,” Ghedin told the pre-match news conference at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

“They are fighting for second place in the group. Bulgaria will come here determined to win... they always want to win.

“It’s going to be a hard test but I have a lot of faith in my players.”

While Ghedin will have taken a lot of positives from the lively match against the Danes, the Italian cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle on Friday as he felt that his team had missed a glorious opportunity to gain a point.

“I was a little bit angry because we gave our opponents the chance to win the game,” Ghedin said.

“Malta had a good performance but it was not enough. We have to stop committing the type of mistakes that cost us the game against Denmark. If we manage to do that, we can do better even against stronger teams.”

As if to emphasise his point that improvement is possible through dedication and perseverance, Ghedin opted to hold yesterday’s news conference in English.

The return of Alex Muscat and Luke Dimech from suspension has significantly improved Ghedin’s defensive options for tonight’s game. Both will walk straight into the starting formation.

“I missed these players against Denmark,” Ghedin said.

“Roderick Briffa played in an unusual role (right-back) and positioning is very important.

“We lacked a bit of concentration in that area but we must remain positive. We have to carry on this way.”

Failla, who scored Malta’s temporary equaliser against Denmark with a brilliant free-kick, and John Min-toff picked up knocks on Friday but Ghedin is optimistic about their recovery chances.

On Friday, Bulgaria lost 1-0 to Italy but their showing added to their blossoming reputation as only a string of fine saves by Gianluigi Buffon kept them at bay.

“I watched the game between Italy and Bulgaria,” Ghedin said.

“My system will be the same. It’s all about roles and how to apply them in the zone.

“As a player, you have to know what to do, understand the de-mands of your role. Against Armenia, we were extraordinary.

“All the players know the problems we faced in the Denmark game. We had a point in our hands because we played well. Now the next step is to overcome this jinx... you have to win even when you’re unlucky.”

Ghedin will make two changes today. Muscat will replace the suspended Briffa with Dimech likely to partner Andrei Agius in the heart of defence and Ryan Camilleri moving to the flank.

If Failla wins his fitness race, he will start on the left side of midfield with Mintoff on standby if the Hibs wing-back doesn’t make it.

Gareth Sciberras and Rowen Muscat are certain to resume their central midfield partnership with André Schembri, Malta’s best player against Denmark, behind lone striker Michael Mifsud.

Mifsud, who will earn his 99th cap tonight, kept the Danish defenders on their toes but squandered two inviting chances which led to some criticism about his lack of match practice as the Malta captain is still without a club.

While reaffirming his confidence in Mifsud, Ghedin remains hopeful that the 31-year-old will settle with a new club soon.

“Mifsud is very professional,” Ghedin said.

“He’s missing club football but he’s fit and ready. It’s not easy for him but I hope that he’ll join a club soon as that would be good for him and us as well.”

Head-to-head

World Cup
07-10-00 Bulgaria-Malta - 3-0
01-09-01 Malta-Bulgaria - 0-2
13-10-04 Bulgaria-Malta - 4-1
12-10-05 Malta-Bulgaria - 1-1
22-03-13 Bulgaria-Malta - 6-0

Euro Championship
11-06-75 Bulgaria-Malta - 5-0
21-12-75 Malta-Bulgaria - 0-2

Friendlies
14-10-82 Bulgaria-Malta - 7-0
26-12-82 Malta-Bulgaria - 0-0
18-11-09 Malta-Bulgaria - 1-4

Line-ups (probable)

Malta (4-2-3-1): J. Haber, A. Muscat, A. Agius, G. Sciberras, R. Camilleri, L. Dimech C. Failla (J. Mintoff), R. Muscat, M. Mifsud, E. Herrera, A. Schembri.

Bulgaria (4-2-3-1): N. Mihaylov, Y. Minev, I. Ivanov, N. Bodurov, V. Minev, S. Dyakov, V. Gadzhev, T. Nedelev, G. Milanov, I. Popov, D. Rangelov.

Referee: A.D. Tudor (Romania).

Kick-off: 8pm.