Buoyant Greens now face Hibs test

Buoyed by their unexpected, but deserved, victory in the derby on Monday, Floriana have now set their sights on extending their excellent start to the Premier League with another fine showing against Hibernians today at the National Stadium (kick-off: 6 p.m.)

The Greens are on a high at the moment after their 3-2 victory over Valletta following a determined and polished performance that took their rivals by surprise.

Today another testing challenge faces the Greens when they square up to a Hibs team many consider as the in-form side at this early part of the season. Their fine showings in the Euro Challenge Trophy and the Super Cup were followed by a 1-1 draw against Birkirkara last Sunday to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2007/08 season.

Floriana coach Danilo Doncic said his main worry since Monday was to control his players' euphoria. He said his players should be pleased with their display in the derby but now they must look ahead to their next assignment. A bad result against Hibs would spoil all the good work achieved so far.

"Our victory against Valletta was a great result for the club, no doubt," said Doncic, who has a full squad available today.

"But we all have to keep our feet firmly rooted to the ground as that was only the first match of the championship. The derby victory forms part of the past now and we must focus all our energy on the match against Hibernians.

"Hibs are one of the best teams around. Unfortunately, we had very little time to prepare for this match but we can't use that as an excuse. If we play with the same enthusiasm and determination as on Monday we'll go places, for sure."

Hibs come into the match still ruing the loss of two points against Birkirkara. Their profligacy in front of goal was back to haunt the Paolites as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw after conceding a late equaliser.

Coach Robert Gatt urged his team to be more prolific in attack against Floriana as they seek to embark on a consistent run of results.

"Floriana will be a tough match for us," Gatt said. "They are a very strong team and they can beat anyone on their day as happened on Monday.

"However, we should not worry too much about our opponents and focus on our game instead.

"We have been playing pretty well but I feel that we should be sharper in attack. Against Birkir-kara we paid dearly for our missed chances and now I hope the players have learnt their lesson."

Gatt is boosted by the return of Jonathan Caruana and Ben Camilleri while Nigerian Uzeh Edafe could make his first appearance after finalising his move yesterday.

Sliema vs Hamrun Spartans (today, National Stadium at 8 p.m.).

Sliema Wanderers will be targeting a second successive league victory tonight at the expense of Hamrun Spartans.

Following the stylish display in the 3-0 trimming of Msida St Joseph, coach Ray Farrugia is aware that Sliema's main priority at this stage is to maintain consistency.

Farrugia is monitoring the fitness of striker Ivan Woods who is close to a full recovery from an injury.

The Sliema coach must also decide whether to include Roderick Bajada as the Malta midfielder is troubled by a muscle strain.

The Spartans are expected to field their new signing Mark Anthony Bonnici in their starting formation which is expected to include Precious Monye and Gaetan Spiteri. Both missed the previous match through injury and suspension, respectively.

Msida vs Marsaxlokk (tomorrow, National Stadium at 5 p.m.).

After a comfortable start to their title defence, Marsaxlokk face a trickier test when they take on Msida.

On Wednesday, the southseasiders had little difficulty in disposing of Pietà Hotspurs but tomorrow they could face stronger resistance from a Msida side eager to bounce back from a disappointing showing against Sliema.

Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot is still without injured duo Carlo Mamo (groin) and Gareth Sciberras (hamstring) but can bank on young Mark Barbara who joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Valletta.

Msida will be fielding a stronger line-up after finalising the registration of their foreign players.

Njongo Lobe Pirso, of Cameroon, Algerian Yashim and Nigerian George Ogbonna are now available for selection.

Pietà vs Valletta (tomorrow, National Stadium at 7 p.m.).

The wounded Citizens will be looking to restore some lost pride with a convincing performance tomorrow.

The derby upset to Floriana on Monday was hard to fathom for the City clan and so the players must quickly rediscover their best form to stay in touch with the leading pack.

Coach Paul Zammit can now bank on Massimo Grima and Saviour Darmanin, who sat out the Floriana match through suspension. Midfielder Stefan Giglio is close to full fitness and Valletta could also field new signing Claude Mattocks, formerly of Sliema.

Pietà coach Carmel Busuttil will be expecting his players to lift their game after showing clear signs of tension in their opening match against Marsaxlokk.

Busuttil must have spent the past couple of days urging his young players to stay focused right from the start and avoid conceding early goals that could affect the final result.