High-flying Sliema and Valletta on collision course

Optimism about another successful tilt at the Premier League title is sky-high in the football-mad capital after Valletta extended their winning streak to three consecutive matches with a 4-0 mauling of Ħamrun Spartans last weekend.

There seems to be a general consensus that the highly-fancied Citizens have started to punch their weight but it is also true that a host of other teams are fast emerging as potential contenders for the title.

One of the early high-fliers who would surely relish the chance to rival Valletta in the title race are Sliema Wanderers.

More time is needed to isolate the serious candidates from the also-rans but Sliema's lofty position in the table has given their rivals plenty food for thought.

This afternoon, Sliema have a great opportunity to add to their growing reputation as they take on Valletta in the weekend's glamour fixture (kick-off 4 p.m.).

The two heavyweights come into their second league meeting this season - the first round match ended 1-1 - in high spirits after taking maximum spoils from their last outings.

While Valletta enjoyed a cantering win over Ħamrun, Sliema needed a last-gasp Ivan Woods header to edge past the resilient Qormi and restore their two-point lead over the Citizens, now fourth in the league after Hibs went top thanks to their 6-0 thrashing of Birkirkara.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema coach, is confident that his team can make life uneasy for Valletta but he struck a cautious note.

"As hot favourites to win the title, Valletta have to be considered as favourites to win this match," Azzopardi told The Times. "We need to approach this game with a sense of humility and a determination to fight hard because, on paper, Valletta are stronger than us.

"The first round match finished in a draw but Valletta's form has improved since then. You could also say that Sliema have also been doing well in the league but it's imperative that we keep our feet on the ground."

Croatian striker Kosta Bjedov is still injured but otherwise, Azzopardi has a full compliment at his disposal. Midfielder Mark Scerri has completed his rehabilitation from a long-term injury and could be named in the squad.

Were Sliema to inflict Valletta's first league defeat today, expectations of a sustained title bid from the Blues would rise by several notches but Azzopardi preferred to look at the broader picture.

"In football, the next game is always the most important," he said. "At Sliema, we are working on a long-term project but because of the stature of the club, the team is always expected to win and challenge for honours.

"If we beat Valletta, it will be another step in the right direction."

Azzopardi pointed to Valletta's speed on the break as their strongest weapon.

"Valletta are very dangerous going forward because of the speed of their strikers," Azzopardi said. "Last season, Frank Temile added pace and width to Valletta's attacking play and this term, they have also been prolific up front thanks to Ian Zammit and Doding Priso."

Like Azzopardi, Paul Zammit, the Valletta coach, is famed for his meticulous approach. He believes that tactics will play a significant role in today's match.

"For sure, we must be focused and tactically aware during the whole match," Zammit said.

"It's going to be a difficult test against strong opponents for I consider Sliema as one of the teams who can challenge for the title this season.

"Sliema have a group of valid players and I must say I've got a soft spot for Matthew Bartolo who can cause problems to any team in the league when at the top of his game. The same goes for Alex Muscat."

Zammit is unable to pick the same team that started last Saturday's game against Ħamrun as three players from that line-up are out of the reckoning. Skipper Gilbert Agius has received a one-match ban, midfielder Edmond Agius is out for four to six weeks with a shoulder injury and Jamie Pace has been ruled out of today's game with abdominal pain.

Stefan Giglio, like Pace a central midfielder, is still doubtful but Dyson Falzon and Cleaven Frendo are in line to make a comeback after recovering from injury.

Faced with suggestions that Sliema are considered to be tougher opponents than Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans, Zammit said: "Looking at our six fixtures between November and the start of January, I concluded that all of them were difficult and important matches. I mean we resumed our league commitments with a big game, the derby against Floriana, and then had to face Ħamrun who were coming from three positive results.

"Sliema are next and this match has taken on added significance in terms of the teams' position in the table because the situation at the top is very tight."

Zammit acknowledged that his team's run of three straight victories has lifted the morale of his players as well as the fans but he was at pains to keep soaring expectations in check.

"I'm after consistency," Zammit maintained. "Winning two games in a row helped to restore the players' confidence and that is positive but we still have a long way to go. We should be careful not to get ahead of ourselves."

Meanwhile, the Sliema Wanderers players will take to the field today wearing t-shirts showing the Putting Cares emblem.

This gesture will mark the start of a new initiative by Sliema aimed at creating more awareness about the work of the Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Support Group.