Ireland struggled against Norway’s low block on Thursday night in Dublin - and it could be another frustrating evening in Malta tomorrow.
You can be sure that the hosts will adopt something like the Norwegians’ narrow, compact and heavily-manned defensive third in a bid to upset the Boys in Green.
So Stephen Kenny’s men will need to be quick out of the blocks before Malta can settle into their own low block.
An explosive, hit-the-ground-running opening can be the key to unlocking the Mediterranean minnows and ensuring Ireland sign off on 2022 with a win.
This hasn’t been the easiest place for Irish sides to visit down through the years.
A last-minute Frank Stapleton backheel settled a dour affair on a dreadful pitch back in 1983, while Jack Charlton’s side needed a second-half penalty to complete a 2-0 win six years later and secure Ireland’s place at Italia ‘90.
In Mick McCarthy’s first reign, Steve Staunton’s strike was the difference as Ireland squeaked their way to three points by the odd goal in five.
And tomorrow could be equally as frustrating if Kenny’s men don’t take the game aggressively to their hosts before they can settle fully into a compact and disciplined system.
It will take something more clearcut than Callum Robinson’s speculative long-range effort after less than three minutes on Thursday.
That means utilising the pace of either Chiedozie Ogbene or Michael Obafemi before Malta can squeeze the space between the last line of defence and goal in which the speedy pair thrive.
Otherwise, we could be in for a long evening.
Alternatively, Kenny could go with 18-year-old Evan Ferguson from the start and use his physical presence to battle for crosses from either flank, where Malta are likely to cough up space in exchange for a compact middle.
He could do with the kind of creativity coming from midfield that Jason Knight - stopped from travelling by Derby - has provided in many of his international outings to date.
Will Smallbone was an effective attacking spark for Jim Crawford’s Under-21s as they missed out in heartbreaking circumstances on next summer’s European Championships.
He sat out Thursday’s defeat to Norway, so can expect some minutes tomorrow.
Hopefully the Southampton prospect, who has impressed on-loan at Stoke this season, will be given enough time to make an impact.
Kenny has gone with a back-three of Nathan Collins, John Egan and Dara O’Shea for the past three games.
Clearly there have been some teething issues there, with two goals conceded on each occasion.
With Seamus Coleman and Darragh Lenihan both capable of stepping into that area, tomorrow will be a real test of Kenny’s belief that the Collins-Egan-O’Shea backline can be the foundation for Euro 2024 glory.
Kenny has some big decisions to make ahead of tomorrow and what he sees in training this afternoon will crystalise his plans for Malta.
Ireland need a win, ideally with a decent performance, if they are to head into the new year with optimism and hope, ahead of a difficult Euro qualification campaign.
They’ll get the win, but it might not be pretty.
VERDICT: Ireland win
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