Big guns eye return to winning ways

Tarxien Rainbows and Hibs experienced contrasting fortunes in the build-up to their derby at the National Stadium today (kick-off 2 p.m.)

While the Rainbows attained a psychological tonic after battling back from two goals down to hold Valletta to a 2-2 draw, Hibs succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to Floriana.

Saturday's upset may have dampened the Paolites' spirits but of more concern to coach Mark Miller is a deepening injury crisis.

Hibs' casualty list includes the likes of Christian Callejas, Ryan Camilleri, Aaron Xuereb, Ben Camilleri, Jonathan Caruana, Rumen Galabov, Jonathan Pearson and Kevin Cassar.

The situation is so precarious that Miller may have to ask a few unfit players, probably Galabov, Pearson and Caruana, to make a sacrifice and play through the pain today.

Miller doesn't think that Hibs' defeat to Floriana has cranked up the pressure on his team.

He said: "We know that we're in for a tough derby. I like Tarxien. They have an advantage because they always train together. Fitness-wise, they are on the same level and their coach is in touch with his players every day.

"Tarxien, and Qormi, are fresher than the teams that have players in the national squads.

"What happened to Valletta on Tuesday is unbelievable. I didn't expect that from them (to squander a two-goal lead). But full credit to Tarxien, they are a team, they dig in and their players know what they have to do."

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, acknowledged that his players' morale is sky-high.

"Without doubt, the 2-2 draw against Valletta was a tremendous result for us," Coleiro said.

"We were delighted with our showing but that match is behind us now. Our opponents in the next game are different from Valletta so we have to channel all the positives gained from our last outing into another robust performance because we don't want to suffer a setback against Hibs."

Denni made way for Kurt Magro in the first half of Tuesday's match after picking up a knock on his calf but Coleiro is keeping his fingers crossed that the Brazilian will recover in time to face Hibs. Ryan Grech is still sidelined with a thigh problem.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Valletta (today at 4 p.m., National Stadium)

The sporting rivalry between Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans can only have strengthened their resolve to come out on top from their first league clash this season.

A meagre return of one point from their last two matches has turned up the heat on Valletta but coach Ton Caanen is urging calm.

"I'm not disappointed with the result against Tarxien," Caanen told The Times.

"If you were to analyse the game, you'd find that we created eight clear chances and, until the 60th minute, we didn't concede one opportunity to our opponents. Even after Tarxien drew level, we created enough chances to win the game.

"But, we've already forgotten that match and our focus is on Ħamrun. We have a strong squad and there's no added pressure on the team.

"When we won our first three league matches, we didn't get carried away. There's a long way to go and we're still on track to reach our objectives."

Like Valletta, Ħamrun also have their sights set on a return to winning form after going down 2-0 to Qormi last Sunday.

Unconfirmed reports that the Spartans are on the verge of securing a sponsorship deal with a foreign company ought to have enhanced the feelgood factor in their camp.

Steve D'Amato, the Ħamrun coach, must make do without Jonathan Holland and Neville Galea, both injured.

Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Ground)

Sliema were widely tipped to set the early pace in the race for the championship but they surprisingly find themselves trailing Floriana by two points before their first Old Firm clash of the season.

While the Greens made it two wins from two matches after beating Hibs 3-2, Sliema crashed to a 3-0 loss to Birkirkara in midweek, their fourth defeat in seven matches.

With Orosco Anonam and Julian Briffa ruled out by a one-match ban, Floriana coach Roddy Collins must make at least two changes from the team that started on Saturday.

Donovan Simmonds is unavailable as speculation grows that the English winger has had his contract terminated.

Irish striker Declan O'Brien, who last played for St Patrick's, spent some days training with Floriana earlier this month with a view to joining them in January.

Christian Caruana is injured while Greens duo Christian Cassar and Sunday Eboh are recovering from cruciate operations.

Miguel Ciantar is still on the casualty list for Sliema but John Mintoff is in line for a squad recall.

Birkirkara vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow at 4 p.m., Hibs Ground)

Birkirkara and Msida, two teams that won their last match, meet in the last fixture of the weekend.

The Stripes start favourites to beat Msida who broke their duck with a 2-1 win over Dingli last Saturday.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is sweating over the fitness of Paul Fenech, Sylvano Comvalius and Angus Buhagiar after all picked up knocks in the 3-0 win over Sliema. Karl Pulo is still recovering from an ankle problem.

Msida coach Mark Marlow has two main injury concerns, Zoran Levnaic and Adrian Farrugia.