Blues look to regain form

Back-to-back defeats have added considerable pressure on Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk to claim the three points from their second-round encounter at the National Stadium today (kick-off 14.00).

Sliema certainly crave a winning start to 2009 after their final two outings last year ended in similar 3-0 defeats to Hamrun Spartans and Old Firm rivals Floriana.

Likewise, Marsaxlokk, who started the season with high aspirations of challenging for the honours, have had very little to smile about lately following successive defeats to Valletta and Hamrun Spartans that left their hopes of a place in the Championship Pool in tatters.

Premier League runners-up last season, Marsaxlokk are facing up to the prospect of a grim relegation fight as they lie second from bottom in the table, level with Qormi on 10 points. Sliema have a nine-point cushion over their imminent opponents but their latest upsets have seen them plummet from a high, challenging position to fifth in the standings, only one point ahead of Msida St Joseph.

Sliema have used the first few days of the January transfer window to reinforce their squad. Veteran defender Lucian Dronca, who worked with Azzopardi at Birkirkara, has been signed by the Blues in the hope that he would help shore up their rearguard.

The Romanian, who last played for Woodlands Wellington in Singapore, could make his debut today.

Bjedov has agreed to rescind his contract after the two parties agreed on compensation. Young forward Victor Coto, who was born in Costa Rica but holds an Italian passport, is widely expected to make his first appearance in a Sliema shirt today.

Young defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino has joined Tarxien Rainbows until the end of the season.

Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi must make do without defender Branko Nisevic and midfielder Roderick Bajada after both were given a one-match suspension following Sliema's 3-0 loss to Floriana.

"The match against Marsaxlokk will be a tough test for us," Azzopardi remarked.

"Hamrun were bottom of the league when we played them a few weeks back but they raised their game and won. Apart from Valletta, who have an edge over the rest because of their investment in new players, the difference between the other teams is minimal. Over a period of time, the gap between the stronger teams and the lesser lights becomes more evident but on their day, the so-called smaller teams can beat any other side.

"As far as Marsaxlokk are concerned, they have a valid squad and their lowly position doesn't vindicate their true potential."

Patrick Curmi is still finding his feet at Marsaxlokk after taking over from Brian Talbot, who has taken up an advisory role, but the former Msida coach knows that his team need a quick fix if they are to rescue their top-six hopes.

"Our match against Sliema is almost crucial," Curmi said.

"As things stand, our margin of error is as good as nil and we can't afford to drop points from our fixtures against Sliema and Floriana.

"We're faced with a very difficult task but it's not impossible. It's high time the team start to deliver. We just can't keep hoping to make amends in the next game because time is running out."

Curmi has already hinted at sweeping changes in his team after Marsaxlokk threw away a 2-0 lead in losing 4-3 to Hamrun last weekend.

Defenders William Camenzuli and Stephen Wellman were suspended by the club for 28 days for showing a lack of commitment while Argentine striker Julio Alcorse was informed that his services were no longer required.

On the plus side, captain Carlo Mamo is set to return after injury kept him out of the Hamrun match and veterans Brian Said and Peter Pullicino are also in line for a first-team recall.

Alcorse's absence may also prompt Curmi to hand a debut to Dylan Kokavessis who has joined Marsaxlokk from Hamrun.

The southerners are also interested in Msida midfielder Chris Camilleri but a deal cannot be completed as the Saints are currently prohibited from the MFA from any transfer activity.

Meanwhile, Sliema players will again take to the field this afternoon wearing Puttinu Cares t-shirts as part of an on-going initiative to promote the work of this cancer support organisation.

First round - Sliema vs Marsaxlokk 0-0.

Hibs vs Hamrun
Hibs face Hamrun Spartans in today's second match (kick-off 4 p.m.).

While the Paolites will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Valletta, the Spartans hope to extend their positive run after wins over Sliema and Marsaxlokk lifted them out of the bottom two.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, has no option but to change his formation from Wednesday's defeat after Terrence Scerri and Uruguayan Christian Callejas were handed a one-match ban on Friday.

Scerri has been punished for his red card against Valletta while Callejas, who is also plagued by a minor injury, has been banned after receiving his fourth booking.

Bulgarian midfielder Rumen Galabov is also likely to miss today's match due a hamstring injury while Adrian Pulis and Alexis Tekumu Mbongo are struggling with knocks.

Steve D'Amato, the Spartans coach, is without Roderick Fenech who is suspended.

First round - Hibs vs Hamrun 4-1.