Derby of the south steals the limelight

After a busy week of Premier League football that produced a spate of surprising results, more twists and turns are expected between today and tomorrow.

This evening's derby of the south between champions Marsaxlokk and Hibernians is the pick of the four-match programme at the National Stadium.

Hibs and Marsaxlokk had contrasting fortunes in their last outings. While the southseasiders are on a high after upstaging leaders Floriana 3-2, the Paolites are still licking their wounds after a 2-1 upset to fellow title hopefuls Sliema Wanderers.

Given the attacking football favoured by both Marsaxlokk and Hibs, their fans must be bracing themselves for an entertaining encounter.

In 2006-07, Hibs and Marsaxlokk produced no fewer than 16 goals in their four meetings. The high-scoring trend continued in the early stages of this season as their first meeting in the Euro Challenge Cup finished in an exciting 3-3 draw and their Super Cup meeting ended 3-1 in favour of the Paolites.

Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot is optimistic ahead of today's clash after his team rediscovered their winning form after two successive defeats.

"Our victory over Floriana was an ideal boost for our team ahead of what promises to be a very tough match against Hibs," Talbot told The Sunday Times.

"Back-to-back defeats to Hamrun Spartans and Birkirkara had hit our morale hard but the players responded in the right manner. They put up a solid performance and deservedly took all three points against Floriana.

"Now our sights are firmly set on Hibs who will be very difficult opponents. They are one of the strongest teams in the division this season and have a group of good players who are capable of producing some excellent attacking football. No doubt, we have to be on top of our game if we are to get a good result."

The English coach is not expected to make any changes from the starting XI that beat Floriana on Thursday. Skipper Carlo Mamo is still down with a groin injury while Cleaven Frendo is plagued by an ankle injury.

For Marsaxlokk, today's match is their third in the space of eight days and Talbot is somewhat baffled by his team's fixture congestion as after next Friday's clash with Mqabba, they will only be in action once up to Dec. 1.

"Actually, I can't find much reason in the way the fixtures have been planned this season," Talbot complained.

"We are playing four matches in just over a week-and-a half and after that, we will have just one match in almost two months... that's quite unique to say the least. But we just have to get on with it. Our physical condition is very good and I'm sure the players will cope well with the crammed fixture list."

For Hibs, their encounter with Marsaxlokk is the latest in a series of tough assignments since the start of the season. In fact, Robert Gatt's team have played Birkirkara, Floriana, Valletta and Sliema in four of their opening five matches of the season.

The Hibs coach said that, given the quality of opposition his team met so far this season, it is no surprise that they are lagging behind the top places in the standings.

"I'm not giving too much importance to our position in the standings at the moment," Gatt said.

"It's true we have only five points from five matches but taking into account the quality of the teams we played, I don't think we fared that badly. Marsaxlokk are next in line in what is surely going to be another tough match for us.

"They are the current champions and they have our respect. The result against Sliema was very disappointing and the players are determined to get back to winning ways. No doubt, victory over Marsaxlokk would be the ideal way to relaunch our challenge."

Gatt's only concern for today's match is the fitness of defender Adrian Pulis who is struggling with a foot injury but otherwise he has a full squad to choose from.

The Hibs mentor opined that the current standings reflect the great equilibrium among most of the 10 Premier League teams this season.

"I think that this year's championship is the most balanced league in recent years," Gatt said. "Pietà's victory over Birkirkara on Thursday indicates that any team is capable of beating another on their day.

"The fight for Championship Pool places is going to be very intense. In this context, it is of utmost importance that we concentrate hard on our games and start to pick up points on a regular basis.

"This season we have already shown that we have great potential," Gatt added. "Against Marsaxlokk, I'm expecting a good showing from my players, one that will go some way to proving that we are genuine title challengers."