Citizens seek revenge
Sliema, Birkirkara renew rivalry
The Super Five Cup has given Valletta an early chance to avenge their distressing 4-2 defeat to Hibernians in a Premier League match last Friday.
These two teams will renew hostilities tonight (kick-off 8 p.m.) in the second semi-final which will be preceded by the clash between holders Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers (kick-off 6 p.m.). Both matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
Although this annual competition is regarded as secondary by the sides involved, Valletta will relish the prospect of reaching the final to lift their low morale.
Of the four teams taking part, only Hibernians have never won the competition before. This unpleasant statistic should act as a spur for Robert Gatt's team, definitely on a high after their victory over the Citizens lifted them to third in the Premier League standings and virtually assured of a Championship Pool berth yet again.
In the light of the players' exertions in Friday's thrilling match, Gatt and Atanas Marinov, the Valletta coach, are likely to field changed formations this evening.
Valletta have no injury worries but Hibernians could be without Antoine Zahra who twisted his ankle on Friday. His place could be taken by Nigerian Udo Nwoko.
Nwoko's compatriot, Ndubisi Chukunyere, missed Friday's win over Valletta and is also expected to sit out of today's match. Gatt will probably be tempted to take the opportunity and rope in some young players in a bid to give them more experience.
The first semi-final between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers also promises to be an interesting encounter what with the rivalry between these two clubs and their pleasure in goading each other on the number of honours won during the season.
Birkirkara are after their second honour of the season after winning the Lowenbrau Cup in summer. They had more time to prepare. While the Stripes were in action last Wednesday, defeating Balzan 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium, Sliema needed two second-half goals on Friday to see off the challenge of Old-Firm rivals Floriana.
Birkirkara are leading the league standings. Today, they are set to welcome skipper Chucks Nwoko back from injury while William Camenzuli returns after missing the Balzan match through suspension. Michael Galea and Mark Anthony Bonnici are still unfit to play though.
Edward Aquilina, the Sliema coach, cannot bank on captain Noel Turner who is recovering from a back injury while Dybril Sylla is set to undergo knee surgery on Wednesday. Striker Orosco Anonam suffered a slight injury against Floriana but should make it in time for the match.