Malta U-21 have a tough task in their hands when this evening they face Group Eight joint leaders Ukraine in a UEFA Championship qualifier at the National Stadium.
The Maltese are currently rooted to the bottom of the group with no points from six matches and still in search of their first goal in the group.
The chances of halting that negative sequence today look difficult indeed not only due to the strength of Malta's opponents but also given the number of regular players unavailable for selection for U-21 coach Edwin Camilleri.
The unbeaten Ukrainians have surprisingly turned out to be one of the leading forces in the group and are currently sharing top spot with France and Belgium on 11 points, although the latter have played a game more.
Victory at the National Stadium will be a timely psychological tonic for the Ukrainians before the potentially decisive clash in eastern Europe against the French on September 3.
Camilleri is hampered by the absence of skipper Tyrone Farrugia and midfielder John Mintoff. They are both ruled out with a one-match ban.
Moreover, George Gribbon, Ryan Camilleri and Warren Chircop have pulled out of the Ukraine qualifier with injuries while Rowen Muscat, Henry Bonello and Mark Scerri are fighting for their fitness and rated as doubtful.
The two teams have already met in this qualifying phase last year when a second-half goal from midfielder Yevgen Konoplyanko gave Ukraine a hard-fought 1-0 win in Borodinka.
Camilleri said he will again bank on the same young squad of players that performed really well in the goalless draw in a friendly with Cyprus earlier this month.
"This is certainly not the best of time for us to face an ambitious team like Ukraine," Camilleri told The Times yesterday.
"Having so many of our best players missing from this match makes things very difficult for a team like ours with limited resources. No other result but a victory will satisfy Ukraine but I'm sure my players will give their all to produce a very stern challenge like we did in the away match.
"So far, we've given a lot of playing time to promising players to gain valuable experience at this level. These matches are tough but an ideal learning curve for them.
"Against Ukraine they will have another chance to show that they're up to it and have what it takes to play at international level."
Referee: Lars Christoffersen (Denmark FA).
Kick-off: 18.00.
Current standings: Ukraine (3-2-0) 11; France (3-2-0) 11; Belgium (3-2-1) 11; Slovenia (2-0-4) 6; Malta (0-0-6) 0.