Faroe Islands and Poland continue their Euro 2024 qualification campaigns when they meet at Torsvollur on Thursday evening.
The hosts are rock bottom of the group, having picked up just one point in five games, while the visitors are in fifth place, two points behind second-placed Czech Republic.
Match preview
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Faroe Islands have never managed to qualify for a major international tournament, and it appears as though another chance to do so has passed them by, considering they are seven-points off second place with just three games left to play.
It was always going to be a tough ask for a nation consisting of around 52,000 people to qualify for the tournament, and the only positive they can take from their qualification campaign so far is the fact they have been able to pick up a point.
Back in March, Hakan Ericson's side drew 1-1 away against Moldova, with Mads Mikkelsen's first-half goal being cancelled out by a late Ion Nicolaescu equaliser, but they have since been unable to get any more points on the board.
In all competitions, Faroe Islands have lost their last five games on the spin, scoring just two goals in the process, meaning it is now extremely unlikely they will be able to qualify for Euro 2024.
However, Poland have a far better chance of reaching the tournament for the fourth time on the spin, having taken six points from their opening five Group E games.
As things stand, the Eagles are two points off second place, and four points behind first-placed Albania, but they are likely to be a little disappointed with how they have fared up to this point.
Michal Probierz's side have been particularly disappointing away from home, having lost all three of their matches on their travels to date, succumbing to defeats against the Czech Republic, Moldova and Albania.
Poland travelled to Tirana to take on Albania in their most recent match, but they failed to pose much of an attacking threat, recording just one shot on target in the entire match and ultimately losing 2-0.
That said, the Eagles should be full of confidence heading into Thursday's game, as they recorded a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture against Faroe Islands, with Robert Lewandowski bagging a brace.
Team News
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Mikkelsen has been in solid form for Klaksvik this season, picking up two goals and six assists in 19 league games, and the attacking midfielder is one of two Faroe Islands players to have scored in Euro 2024 qualifying.
As such, the 23-year-old may return to the starting lineup, having been left out of the last match, playing provider for striker Joan Simun Edmundsson, who has scored eight goals in 79 appearances for his country.
With Poland set to face Moldova on Sunday, Probierz may be hoping his side can win without some of their key players, but it would be risky to bench captain Lewandowski, who has scored three goals in Euro 2024 qualifying up to this point.
Piotr Zielinski has been in fine form for Napoli, scoring two goals in his last four games, and the 29-year-old is likely to get the nod alongside Grzegorz Krychowiak in central midfield.
Faroe Islands possible starting lineup:
Lamhauge; Sorensen, Faero, Vatnhamar, Davidsen; Bjertalid, Hendriksson, Mikkelsen, Johansen; Olsen, Edmundsson
Poland possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Bereszynski, Kedziora, Bednarek, Kiwior; Cash, Krychowiak, Zielinski, Kaminski, Szymanski; Lewandowski
We say: Faroe Islands 0-2 Poland
Although Poland are yet to pick up a point away from home in Group E, they have far more quality than the Faroe Islands, which was on display in the reverse fixture.
As such, we expect the visitors to emerge as comfortable winners, boosting their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Dominic Lund
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