Sports Mole previews Wednesday’s friendly clash between Gibraltar and Andorra, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
In preparation for upcoming UEFA Nations League campaigns, Gibraltar and Andorra meet for a friendly fixture on Wednesday evening.
Both sides are still seeking their first win of 2024, and their encounter at Europa Sports Park offers a rare chance to taste success.
Match preview
Ending a 13-match losing streak on the international stage, Gibraltar held out for an historic 0-0 draw with Wales in their most recent friendly, played in Portugal three months ago.
Only seven nations sat beneath them in FIFA’s world rankings – and they had conceded 50 goals without scoring during that 13-game run – but the minnows were able to shut out their opponents and celebrate an unlikely result.
However, Gibraltar’s last goal came way back in November 2022, when they last met Andorra, and they are now desperate to end that long drought.
Los Llanis finished rock-bottom of Group B in Euro 2024 qualifying – featuring a 14-0 thrashing by France – having previously been relegated from League C of the last Nations League, in which they took just one point from six matches.
As a result, head coach Julio Cesar Ribas is now tuning his squad up for a League D campaign against Liechtenstein and San Marino, which should offer an opportunity to post some long-awaited wins.
Andorra will also feature in the Nations League’s bottom tier this autumn, taking part in a three-team group also featuring Moldova and Malta.
The tiny principality – which has the fifth-smallest population of any UEFA nation – most recently lost to Northern Ireland and neighbours Spain in two June friendlies, conceding seven times without scoring a goal.
Before heading to Gibraltar this week, the Tricolors have gone 17 games without tasting victory since defeating Liechtenstein almost two years ago.
Andorra finished last in their Euro 2024 qualifying section – with just two points from 10 games – and despite picking up eight points in their most recent Nations League campaign they could not escape League D.
Coached by former goalkeeper Koldo Alvarez, Andorra’s ambitions are naturally limited, but meeting a team ranked 34 places below them in FIFA’s world rankings now provides a chance to win for the first time since 2022.
Gibraltar friendly form:
Gibraltar form (all competitions):
Andorra friendly form:
Andorra form (all competitions):
Team News
Recent regulars, such as right-back Kian Ronan of English National League North side King’s Lynn Town and Lincoln Red Imps defender Jack Sergeant have not been called up to Gibraltar’s squad this month, but many familiar faces will be involved on Tuesday.
Tjay De Barr, Liam Walker and 42-year-old veteran Lee Casciaro are all available for selection, in addition to three England-based teenagers.
Joining Chesterfield winger Liam Jessop (19) in the squad, are Wycombe Wanderers forward Jaiden Bartolo (18) and Manchester United’s James Scanlon (17), as boss Julio Cesar Ribas looks towards the future.
Like his opposite number, Andorra coach Koldo Alvarez will turn to several long-serving players in midweek, when international-cap centurions Marc Pujol and Marcio Vieira should both play a part.
The Tricolors’ main threat could come from winger Albert Rosas, who has scored four times in 15 senior appearances for his national team, while Cucu – famed for once being sent off within 30 seconds of kickoff – is set to start up front.
Gibraltar possible starting lineup:
Coleing; Jolley, Annesley, Lopes, Olivero, J. Chipolina; Ronan, De Haro, Walker, Scanlon; De Barr
Andorra possible starting lineup:
Gomes; San Nicolas, C. Garcia, E. Vales, Llovera, Cervos; J. Rubio, Vieira, Pujol, Rosas; Cucu
We say: Gibraltar 0-1 Andorra
After a defeat and a draw in two previous meetings, Andorra can record their first win over Gibraltar. While neither side is accustomed to scoring, the Tricolors’ defence is less leaky than their hosts’, which may make the difference.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.