Valletta itching to kick off title party

Valletta entertain high hopes of kicking off their title celebrations this weekend as victory over neighbouring rivals Floriana tomorrow (kick-off 5 p.m.) would crown them champions of Malta with two matches to spare.

Eight points clear at the top of the standings with only three matches to go, the Citizens would be mathematically sure of winning the title without kicking a ball today if the match between their two nearest rivals, Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara, ends in a draw. A win for Birkirkara would also appease Valletta as the Stripes, currently third, have no chance for the title even if they take maximum points from their remaining threee matches.

Although the entire Valletta clan are eager to seal their title success sooner rather than later, their desire to go out and deliver against Floriana is unlikely to be affected by the outcome of today's match between their stuttering title rivals.

With the unflinching support of their fans widely credited as an important factor behind Valletta's title march this season, coach Paul Zammit is keen on giving the City folk a treat in the shape of victory over Floriana tomorrow.

"The prospect of securing the title with a victory over Floriana should give us added motivation," Zammit said. "I have been here long enough to know that the derby against Floriana means so much to our supporters. They have been our driving force this season and we want to repay their support by clinching this title. I can't think of a better gift to give to our fans than to make sure of the championship with a win over Floriana. That would certainly be the cherry on the cake."

Zammit has justified cause to be confident in his team's ability of chalking up a third derby success this season but he nonetheless expects the Greens to offer a stern test.

"Floriana will be doing their best to spoil our party, no doubt," Zammit said.

"They are also in the last four of the FA Trophy and likely to step up their preparations for the semi-final."

Valletta are at full strength with Zammit not expected to make significant changes from his starting XI for Monday's win over Birkirkara. Sebastian Monesterolo will be upbeat about regaining a first-team place after hitting a last-gasp winner that brought Valletta within touching distance of their first title in seven years.

Football-fever has already swept through the capital but Zammit has been urging his players to keep their feet on the ground.

"Knowing that the team has a good chance of securing the title before the last game inevitably heightens the sense of euphoria but it's up to us to make sure that this situation doesn't distract us from our responsibilities," Zammit said.

"I've told the players that there is no room for complacency in our last three league games. We have a Trophy semi-final coming up as well and that's another target for us. It's important that we keep up a high level of performance in our remaining league fixtures ahead of the Trophy."

"I firmly believe in the principle that there's a time for everything in life," Zammit added. "Valletta fans have a reputation for celebrating big time when the team wins an honour and everyone is excited by the prospect of being part of all this. However, we need to live up to our responsibilities and do our best to win when we're playing but yes, we're also looking forward to enjoying ourselves when the time is right."

Having gained a decisive edge in their lightweight fight with Ħamrun Spartans for fifth place, Floriana have no other achievable aims to gun for in the league but their rivalry with Valletta should spur them to make that extra effort tomorrow in a bid to frustrate their adversaries.

Danilo Doncic, the Floriana coach, is holding out hope that his team will give Valletta a hard time.

"There's no denying that Valletta are the favourites to win. They could come into this match with the title already in the bag if Birkirkara avoid losing to Marsaxlokk," Doncic said.

"Whatever the circumstances, my objective is that Floriana offer Valletta a good challenge. The cup semi-finals are not far away and we have to use our remaining three league matches to gear up for the KO."

Unlike Zammit, Doncic cannot pick his team from a full squad tomorrow. Out-of-favour Serbian defender Darko Krsteski will not be considered for selection, captain Christian Cassar is suspended and Christian Caruana is injured. Trevor Cilia is another potential absentee as he is still recovering from a hand injury.

Mauro Brincat and Clifton Ciantar are in line for a first-team recall after serving one-match bans.

Results so far: Valletta vs Floriana 2-3, 4-0, 1-0.