Under-fire Zammit issues rallying call ahead of Stripes clash

Early days these may be but champions Valletta are under mounting pressure to ameliorate their performances and results after dropping four points in drawing their last two matches against Hibs and newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows.

A taxing test lies in wait for the beleaguered Citizens this evening in the shape of Birkirkara who are second in the standings with nine points after winning three and losing one of their opening four league matches.

Given the incandescent rivalry between the supporters of these two clubs and their common status as likely candidates for the Premier League title, expectations are high of a combative encounter at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

If the Citizens will strive to dispel murmurs of a looming crisis with a solid performance and a win, Birkirkara will surely be deadset on underlining their title credentials by seeing off the reigning champions in their first league meeting of the 2008-09 season.

Three points for the Stripes would not only add to Valletta's woes, it would also go some way towards softening the disappointment of their 2-0 loss to the same opponents in the curtain-raising BOV Super Cup final.

Valletta's tentative start to their title defence has inevitably turned the heat on coach Paul Zammit who described tonight's clash with Birkirkara as a "very important" game.

"This is a very important match for us," Zammit told The Times. "We need to perform and deliver not just to gain three points but to boost confidence in our camp.

"Although our performances of late haven't been up to scratch, I honestly believe that our situation has been magnified and perhaps, we are to blame for that. I've seen all the Premier League games so far and apart from Hibs who have looked quick and strong, the other teams have not really impressed with their performances.

"That said, I expect better showings from my team, considering the strength of our squad."

Zammit spoke highly of Birkirkara whom he regards among the main contenders for the league title.

"Birkirkara's team is, more or less, the same as last year," the Valletta coach said. "We are aware of their potential and I believe they could emerge as serious candidates for the title."

Valletta's travails in their hard-earned 2-2 draw with Tarxien Rainbows could induce Zammit to ring the changes today.

Cleaven Frendo is ruled out by a thigh injury and fellow Malta internationals, defender Luke Dimech and goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, are struggling with knee problems.

Acknowledging that the pressure on him and his charges has multiplied after their failure to win any of their last two matches, Zammit issued a rallying call to his players.

"There's always pressure in this job, especially if you're in charge of a team like Valletta," Zammit remarked. "We are going through a sticky patch but it's in difficult times that we have to show our character. This applies to me as coach and all the players.

"I also believe that certain elements in our team need to roll up their sleeves and justify their reputation with strong perfor-mances on the field of play."

Birkirkara have recovered from their unexpected 1-0 loss to Floriana with two wins on the trot to stay in touch with Hibs, the early pacesetters.

The general view is that Birkirkara's encounter with Valletta today is their first serious test this season but their coach John Buttigieg sees things differently.

"All matches have the same worth," Buttigieg said. "The results we've had so far show that this season, the league is very balanced as even the so-called smaller teams have been making life difficult for more-quoted opponents.

"For our supporters, a fixture against Valletta means more than just a normal match because of the rivalry between the two clubs but we're approaching it in the same way as we do for other matches."

Defender Lee Lombardi is still sidelined with injury and winger Trevor Cilia is rated doubtful after twisting his knee during Birkirkara's 1-0 win over Qormi last weekend.

Buttigieg is suitably satisfied with his team's progress so far. "The championship is still in its early stages and it's not easy for teams to hit peak form straightaway," Buttigieg observed. "On the whole, I'm quite satisfied with our performances so far but clearly, there's room for improvement."

Asked if Valletta's shaky start to the season has taken him by surprise, Buttigieg replied: "I'd rather concentrate on my team. I don't like to comment on others but I will only say that Valletta had also found the going tough at the start of last season but finished it as league champions. I don't think it's wise to jump to conclusions at this stage of the season."

Foreign players

Meanwhile, Valletta have revived their efforts to bring two young Nigerian players who were supposed to join them for a trial in the summer but never got to make the trip to Malta because of visa-related problems.

The Citizens have a vacancy for another foreign player but with Brazilian striker Marcelo Tolomeotti's future still uncertain after his unconvincing performances so far, the champions may well opt to replace him come January.

A Brazilian midfielder started a trial with Valletta earlier this week.

Programme (National Stadium)

Today: 7.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Valletta.

Tomorrow: 4 p.m. Msida SJ vs Qormi; 6 p.m. Tarxien Rainbows vs Ħamrun Spartans.

Sunday: 4 p.m. Floriana vs Marsaxlokk; 6 p.m. Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers.