Embattled Blues look to end City's unbeaten run

Sliema Wanderers must succeed where all the other teams in the Premier League have failed in the last few months if they are to reassert their title challenge.

Seemingly down and out after back-to-back defeats to Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk, Sliema now have the unenviable task of breaking Valletta's 15-match unbeaten run in the league to stay in the hunt for the championship.

On the other hand, the Wanderers should take heart from their positive head-to-head record with Valletta this season as they won 2-1 and drew 2-2 in the first phase of the league.

Whereas Sliema halted their negative run in the Championship Pool with a 2-0 victory over Hamrun Spartans on Saturday, Valletta emerged 1-0 winners over rivals Floriana in a tight derby to reclaim top spot after Marsaxlokk slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Birkirkara.

No doubt, Valletta will be hellbent on extending their positive run not only to tighten their grip on the top position but also to put a dent on Sliema's hopes, given that the latter already have a six-point deficit from the leaders.

Judging by positions, Sliema definitely have a greater need to garner maximum points from this game but City coach Paul Zammit was keen to stress that this encounter marks the start of a decisive period for his team.

"The next three weeks could make or break our season," Zammit told The Times.

"The match against Sliema is the first of three vital games for us. After Sliema, we play Marsaxlokk followed by the quarter-final of the FA Trophy.

"This means that our results in the next three weeks could have a massive bearing on our season. If we falter, our chances of success would probably suffer a heavy blow."

Valletta's chances of recording their first win over Sliema this season are boosted by the return from suspension of midfielder Heiner Backhaus and left-back Steve Bezzina. Claude Mattocks is still banned pending a decision on a positive dope test but otherwise, Zammit has no selection troubles.

Zammit is mindful of Sliema's win-at-all-costs scenario but he insisted that he's only concerned about his own objectives.

"For Sliema, this match is probably their last chance to stay in the hunt," Zammit said. "Sliema will want to win but their priorities do not concern me. We're only focusing on our strengths and aims."

The Citizens were not at their best against Floriana but Zammit opined that victory in the derby has strengthened the team's resolve to go all the way.

"Victories breed confidence," Zammit remarked.

"Beating Floriana has given us extra motivation. Victory has galvanised our conviction that we can sustain our challenge until the end but we have to make sure that our focus remains 100 per cent."

While acknowledging his side's necessity to take full points today, Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi pointed out that this match is one of seven finals.

"For us, this is a must-win game but at the same time, we cannot describe it as the game of the season because a win would count for nothing unless it's followed by a sequence of victories," Azzopardi said.

"But we are taking it game-by-game because there's no point looking too far ahead.

"After we lost to Marsaxlokk, I publicly said that our title prospects were remote. The percentage has increased slightly after last weekend's results but that has in no way diminished the huge importance attached to our remaining fixtures."

Azzopardi cannot retain the team that started the 2-0 win over Hamrun as striker Ivan Woods will be out serving suspension.

Another of Sliema's forwards, the mercurial Etienne Barbara, is also out of the picture as he is yet to complete a 15-day suspension imposed by the club.

Positive news for Sliema is that Jeffrey Chetcuti and Mark Scerri could return to the side after recovering from injury while Orosco Anonam is available.

Goalkeeper Murphy Akanji, dropped from the team for the last two matches, is slightly doubtful after falling sick in midweek.

Asked for his views on this year's title race, Azzopardi suggested that the three main contenders, Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Sliema, have all had their ups and downs.

"If one were to analyse the progress of the teams, one would find that all three went through a difficult period," Azzopardi said.

"Valletta had a lean spell in the early months and Marsaxlokk struggled in the first two rounds. Our bad moments were more sporadic."

Sliema struggled to see off Hamrun last week but, ironically, they stepped up their game after Woods was shown the red card.

That response delighted Azzo-pardi.

"I've told the players that their performance in the second half against Hamrun was the first time that I could identify myself with the team since I became coach of Sliema," Azzopardi remarked.

"The players showed great fighting spirit but their tactical interpretation of the game in such difficult circumstances was also spot-on."

Results so far: Valletta vs Sliema 1-2, 2-2.

Puttinu Cares initiative

Sliema, in collaboration with the Puttinu Cares Cancer Group, have invited eight children to spend time with the squad today.

"They will have the opportunity to meet the players and also see how a team goes about its business on matchday," Azzopardi said.

"It promises to be an exciting experience for them."