Rejuvenated Wanderers seek Birkirkara's scalp

After Malta's World Cup commitments in Denmark and at home to Hungary dominated the local football agenda for much of the last two weeks, attention will turn back to the BOV Premier League this weekend when the last four matches before the customary six-week break, due to the reseeding of the National Stadium's pitch, are played.

Without a shadow of doubt, the stand-out fixture this weekend is tomorrow's clash between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers, two teams who are looking to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League crown this season.

Both the Stripes and the Wanderers have parted company with a number of ageing players and brought more youngsters into their squads over the past two seasons in a bid to reduce their wage bill but without compromising their status as regular contenders for the main honours in local football.

So far, their policies are reaping the desired dividends as Birkirkara are sharing top spot with Hibs on 13 points with Hibs, one ahead of Sliema who are still unbeaten after six matches.

George Mallia, the Birkirkara midfielder, is not surprised by Sliema's positive performances this season and knows that his team are in for a tough test tomorrow.

"Sliema Wanderers have always proved to be difficult opponents for us," Mallia told The Times yesterday.

"They are a club with a great history and despite making several changes to their squad, they still possess a very talented group of players. This season, it seems that Sliema are playing with renewed enthusiasm and the players are showing great spirit.

"We know that it's going to be a difficult match but we were also playing well and getting the results before the international break. All the players in our squad are high on confidence and that is a major boost ahead of such a delicate match. We are certainly going out for the win."

Mallia, 30, is one of the more experienced players at Birkirkara whom he joined for Floriana in season 2002-03. He admitted that the club's strategy of banking on their upcoming players is paying off.

"Last season, there were a lot of people who questioned our club's stance of roping more young players into the squad," Mallia said.

"A few months later, all the criticism disappeared as the team was playing at a very high level. The young players have gained a lot of experience in the top flight last season and this has helped to improve the team.

"Our objective has always been to challenge for the major honours and winning the league championship ranks high on our agenda.

"It's too early to say how far we can go but certainly, our next three matches against Sliema, Marsaxlokk and Hibs should provide a good indication about our potential."

Birkirkara's resolve to chalk up what would be a significant confidence-booster is expected to be challenged by the enthusiasm and determination of a Sliema team that have impressed many with their fighting displays this season.

Striker Ivan Woods said the Wanderers are determined to remain on the winning trail and keep up their challenge for the league title.

"Birkirkara are a very strong team and I'm not surprised that they are on top of the standings," Woods said.

"We know that we have a tough task on our hands but that doesn't mean that we're afraid of our opponents. Our team is also passing through a bright spell and our recent performances have shown that Sliema are still a force to be reckoned with, contrary to what many people predicted at the start of the season.

"It's true that several players have left the team but we still got a nucleus of talented players who form part of Malta's senior and U-21 squads. At Sliema, we have a firm belief that we can challenge the very best and victory against Birkirkara will be another sign of our intentions this season."

Woods is of the opinion that the inclusion of several young players in the Sliema squad has bolstered their cause as it has intensified the competition for places.

"There is not one player in our squad who is assured of a place in the first team," Woods said.

"In the past, there were times when certain players kept their place in the team, regardless of their form. This is no longer the case here as the quality of the young players gives the coach more options.

"This has had a positive effect on our performances as everybody must give his 100 per cent to remain in the team. We have set ourselves high targets which can only be achieved if we keep playing at a very high level."