Stripes aim to keep flying high as Sliema seek end to poor run

The nailbiting FA Trophy encounter between Valletta and Floriana last week and Malta's lively showing in the 0-0 World Cup draw against Albania on Wednesday have brought some much-needed positive publicity for the local game.

As the focus reverts to the Premier League, the hope is that this weekend's matches, weather-permitting, will also be in keeping with the improved standards shown recently.

With the end of the first phase fast approaching, all 10 teams in the top flight are under added pressure to get more points on board and strengthen their chances of reaching their targets.

Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers will be looking to consolidate their position in the upper part of the standings when they cross swords in today's second fixture.

The two contestants come into their second-round clash high on confidence after winning their FA Trophy quarter-finals.

The Stripes were 2-1 winners over Tarxien Rainbows and Sliema claimed the scalp of Hibernians thanks to a solitary Ivan Woods goal. The form and results of the two teams in the Premier League in the last month bear no similarities, though. Whereas Birkirkara have taken four points from their last two matches, Sliema have been on the receiving end of two consecutive 1-0 defeats to Hibs and Tarxien Rainbows.

Birkirkara may be regarded as slight favourites to see off Sliema but their coach John Buttigieg is wary of the challenge the Blues might offer today.

"Sliema beat Hibs in the FA Trophy and that says a lot about their potential," Buttigieg said. "In the league, Sliema have had a few negative results in recent weeks but this doesn't make them easier to beat. I'm expecting a difficult match."

Jonathan Holland is suspended for Birkirkara and defender Lee Lombardi has yet to fully recover from hernia operation.

Despite their healthy position in the table, Birkirkara have struggled for consistency, performance-wise.

Buttigieg would not be drawn into discussing his team's topsy-turvy form so far.

"I think we have made good progress but the team's overall performance can only be judged at the end of the season," the former Malta defender said.

Birkirkara have three matches left to play before the end of the first phase. Critics are backing them to play a prominent role in the title race along with champions Valletta and Hibs but Buttigieg is not looking too far ahead.

"Our short-term goal is to gain as many points as we can from our next three matches and stay close to the top positions in the table," he said.

"Then we will see what happens in the Championship Pool."

Sliema are 13 points off the title pace and their declared ambition this season is to qualify for a European competition, either by finishing in the top three positions in the league or by winning the FA Trophy.

Having seen his team grind out only one win from their previous five league outings, Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi was justifiably relieved after the 1-0 win over Hibs in the cup.

"Our victory in the Trophy was very important, not only because it lifted the players' spirits but moreso because it kept us in contention to win the competition," Azzopardi told The Times.

"Our squad has been weakened by the departure of some players in January. That will make it harder for us to reach a high degree of consistency in the league but we must strive to repeat our disciplined performance against Hibs on a regular basis. We also need to find the right balance between experience and youth.

"I'm also hoping that we are lucky with injuries and suspensions in the final months of the season because that would disrupt our plans, given the limitations we have."

Sliema's diminishing resources could be further hit by the possible exit of Daniel Saverino.

The Australian-born midfielder is currently having a trial with a Chinese club with a view to securing a permanent deal. As Saverino is not expected to be back before Monday, he will definitely miss today's match.

Azzopardi must also make do without Mark Scerri, suspended, and Branko Nisevic, who has a back problem. Roderick Bajada is doubtful with a knee injury and goalkeeper Simon Agius is recovering from a broken nose.

Birkirkara are unlikely to hold any surprises for Azzopardi, not only because he was in charge there a few years ago but moreso because the two teams share the St Aloysius pitch for training.

"I guess these things happen only in our league," Azzopardi bemoaned.

Faced with a question about Birkirkara's title credentials, Azzopardi was forthright in his reply.

"To be honest, I think that, barring any surprises, Valletta are the sole contenders for the title. It's no secret that they have an edge over the other teams. I think that the likes of Hibs, Birkirkara and us will fight it out for a top-three finish."

First round - Birkirkara vs Sliema 4-2.