High-flying Qormi face tricky test against revitalised Spartans

Qormi's ambitions for the season will be subjected to a stern test tomorrow afternoon when the pace-setters face neighbouring rivals Ħamrun Spartans in a much-awaited derby at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (kick-off 3 p.m.) as the Premier League returns after a somewhat lengthy break for cup competitions and international football.

The rivalry between these two clubs has increased since Qormi gained promotion to the top flight last year. Qormi's 2-0 win over Ħamrun in their final Relegation Pool clash last season intensified the pique between the fans as that result condemned the Spartans to relegation.

Ħamrun have since been reinstated to the Premier League following the demotion of Marsaxlokk to Division One earlier this season for match-fixing. The Spartans will be keen to settle the score with Qormi in tomorrow's showdown.

Looking at the two teams' form this season, Qormi must be regarded as favourites to gain maximum points. Inspired by the goalscoring exploits of Brazilian forward Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo, Qormi are sharing top spot with Valletta and champions Hibs with 13 points from six matches. They have conceded only one defeat so far, a 2-0 loss to Valletta.

The same cannot be said for the Spartans who initially struggled to find their feet in the top flight, losing their opening four matches. The Reds have shown signs of revival in the last few weeks after recording back-to-back league victories over Msida St Joseph (1-0) and Dingli Swallows (3-0).

Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa has dismissed suggestions that his team are the clear favourites for tomorrow's derby.

"For a club like Qormi, matches against Ħamrun Spartans are always very difficut," Zerafa told The Times.

"We are only in our second season in the top flight while Ħamrun's squad is full of players who have been playing together in the Premier League for several years.

"Derbies are always tough and open to any result. The atmosphere in these matches is different and there is more pressure on the players because the fans have high expectations.

"I'm sure it's going to be a very tight affair and the team that performs best on the day will take all points. Ħamrun have shown significant progress in recent weeks and we need to be at our best to beat them."

Zerafa has no injury problems as Camilo, the league's top scorer with eight goals, has recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the defeat on penalties to Hibernians in the National League 100 Anniversary Cup.

Qormi's strong start to the season has encouraged critics to rank them among the sure favourites to secure an early place in the Championship Pool but Zerafa remarked that tomorrow's match could have a bearing on his team's fate this season.

"It's true that if we beat Ħamrun Spartans we will have one foot in the Championship Pool," Zerafa said.

"Victory would take our tally to 16 points and if that happens, I can't see us missing out on a top-six berth. But, if we lose, we will compromise our status as a defeat in the derby could have a negative effect on the team's morale.

"All matches are important for us and I expect my players to give their 100 per cent in each game. Against Ħamrun it will be no different and I'm confident that we can get a positive result."

Ħamrun coach Stephen D'Amato is also in high spirits ahead of tomorrow's game. The young mentor's optimism has been enhanced by the team's excellent form of late as the Spartans have obtained four successive wins in league and cup competitions without conceding a goal.

"This match could not have come at a better time for us," D'Amato said.

"Our morale is high after the team's positive performances in the last weeks. We had a difficult start to the league campaign because so many important players were out through injury and suspension but in the last month, the injury situation has improved considerably.

"We have also brought in a prolific forward in Joao Mawete. He has fitted well into the team.

"We are looking forward to Sunday's match. Although we know that Qormi have been playing extremely well, we are confident that we can win this match."

D'Amato is still without defender Johnny Debattista, out with a long-term knee injury, while midfielder Jonathan Holland is rated as doubtful with a muscle problem.

The Ħamrun coach attributed his team's progress in the past few weeks to the "excellent attitude" of his players in training and their desire to make up for their disappointing campaign last season.

"This year I'm seeing a very different team compared to last season," D'Amato said.

"The players are showing a great work ethic in training and their efforts paid off in our recent matches.

"Besides, this season we have a stronger squad and I believe that we can do well. The derby against Qormi is very important for our team and a positive result would provide a much-needed boost for our aspirations.

"We will be playing in our stadium and I hope the players give our fans cause to celebrate."