Marsaxlokk seek to blaze through City roadblock

Marsaxlokk appear to be engaged in a race against time.

Nine points to the good at the top of the Premier League, Marsaxlokk have streamrollered over opponents with such ruthless efficiency that they seem deadset on wrapping up the title with plenty to spare.

In midweek, Marsaxlokk all but killed off any lingering interest in what has been a mediocre title race after their 2-0 victory over Msida St Joseph propelled them nine points clear of Sliema Wanderers.

The leaders will be aiming to make another stride towards the championship tomorrow (kick-off 4 p.m.) but they must blaze their way through a City roadblock to fulfil their aim.

Having missed out on qualification to a European competition last season, Valletta, who trail their imminent opponents by 11 points, are bidding to gain a UEFA Cup spot this time round besides fine-tuning their form ahead of the FA Trophy quarter-finals.

Brian Talbot, Marsaxlokk's English coach who has had a most positive impact on the team this season, is rallying his troops for a hard game.

"It's going to be a difficult game," Talbot told The Times. "All the teams in the Championship Pool are more or less equal in terms of ability.

"We have had a good run of results, giving ourselves a good chance of winning the title but we have to remain focused.

"Valletta are a good team and in Gilbert Agius they have an exceptional player. Coach Paul Zammit has done a very good job at Valletta. They are a compact team who will surely try to make it hard for us.

"Agius is the symbol of this team because of his experience. He's the captain of the national team, a well-respected player here. I think Agius has been one of the best players in Malta for the past 10 years."

Marsaxlokk came through their midweek skirmish with Msida without any major injuries but some players picked up knocks , namely Peter Pullicino, Udo Nwoko and Kevin Sammut. Talbot is hopeful that these players will shake off their minor injuries in time to play tomorrow.

Steve Wellman is out until the first week of May after undergoing surgery to cure a wrist injury.

Midfielder Jamie Pace is back in the fray after seeing out his one-match ban.

Since a 1-0 opening day defeat to Birkirkara, Marsaxlokk have won 17 and drawn three in an astonishing 20-match unbeaten run that underlined their title credentials in bold ink. The goals for- and against- columns in the table also highlight Marsaxlokk's supremacy this season as Talbot's men have the most prolific attack with 56 goals scored and the best defensive record of 17 goals conceded in 21 matches.

Commenting on his team's excellent consistency, Talbot said: "A lot of people are a bit surprised that we are nine points clear at the top. The players have worked extremely hard to reach these levels and they deserve credit for the team's results.

"Having said that, we haven't reached our target yet. The next two matches will be more difficult because we're playing against better sides but we're prepared for the challenges ahead."

Coming from a 2-2 draw with Hibs last weekend, Valletta know they need to quickly recapture their winning touch if they are to keep up their challenge for a top-three finish.

"Every game is important for us at this crucial stage of the season," Valletta coach Zammit said.

"We need to fight on to attain the highest finish possible. Marsaxlokk may be the favourites to win the title but I believe that on our day, we can make life hard for them."

Defender Branko Nisevic has recovered from an ankle injury and should regain his place in Valletta's starting line-up tomorrow.

Up to a few weeks ago, Valletta were being talked of as potential outsiders for the league title after a streak of three victories on the trot but failure to win any of their last two matches has left them looking anxiously over their shoulders.

"Before the start of the Championship Pool, I stressed the need to take it game by game," Zammit said.

"We have dropped five points in our last two matches and some of the teams behind us have taken advantage by getting closer to us.

"On paper, Marsaxlokk have the best team in the league and their performances in recent months have amply justified their lofty reputation.

"However, I'm not downcast about our chances of gaining a positive result. If we manage to reach the heights of our performances against Birkirkara, we will surely offer Marsaxlokk a stern challenge."

Previous results: Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 2-1, 1-0.