City primed for tough test as Sliema seek to revive title bid

Not for the first time this season, Valletta have captured the headlines after snapping up Michael Mifsud. The Malta striker's decision to reignite his club career with Valletta, albeit on a short-term deal, has dominated the build-up to this afternoon's needle clash between the Citizens and Sliema Wanderers (kick-off 4 p.m.).

Valletta fans treated Mifsud to a rousing welcome when the latter turned up for his presentation at the club on Wednesday evening but their enthusiasm has been slightly tempered by the news that the former Coventry hitman can't make his debut today as his switch to the City has yet to be approved by the Malta FA Executive Committee.

With Doding Priso and Steve Borg ruled out by suspension and Roderick Briffa struggling with a quad injury, Mifsud's unavailability has been perceived as a potential blow for the Citizens but the return of captain Gilbert Agius should go some way towards keeping the fans' spirits high.

A stomach bug forced Agius to miss last Saturday's 2-1 victory over champions Hibs but the City talisman is in line to make his return today.

"All the Championship Pool matches are important," Agius told The Times.

"These are like cup ties but we are taking it game by game. We are devoting our attention to our matches... we're not looking at the games of the other teams.

"We are in for another tough test because Sliema have strengthened their squad with the aim of challenging for the title this season."

Although Sliema trail co-leaders Valletta and Birkirkara by eight points, Agius still regards the Blues as contenders for the championship.

"With the material they've got, Sliema have to be considered as contenders for the title," Agius said. "I think this is the first time in many seasons where all the six teams in the Championship Pool can take points off each other."

The hype surrounding Mifsud's switch to Valletta has prompted cynics to suggest that this may prove counter-productive for Valletta ahead of their clash with Sliema but Agius rejected the notion that the publicity has distracted the players.

"It's not surprising really because Valletta have been in the limelight all season," Agius said.

"The signing of Michael Mifsud is a boost for the players. It is a clear sign that our club can attract the best Maltese players. I feel that Valletta FC have delivered two important messages.

"Besides underlining our intentions to make a strong challenge for the title, Valletta have also done something positive for Maltese football as Mifsud has been widely criticised for being without a club.

"Some opined that Mifsud didn't deserve to be in the national squad in light of his long absence from club football but now Valletta have moved in and signed him. I think this also shows that Valletta do care about the local game."

Agius confirmed that he endorsed Victor Sciriha's successful bid to engage Mifsud.

"As team captain, I spoke with the president about Mifsud and I agreed straightaway that we should go for him," Agius said.

"Michael is one of the best Maltese players of all time and we'd rather have him play for our team than against us."

As Agius was unfit to play last weekend, today's match will be his first since his omission from the Malta squad for the friendly match against Finland (1-2).

At 36, Agius is in the twilight of his career but his exclusion from the Finland game was met with several raised eyebrows as the Valletta midfielder is still one of the most influential players in the Premier League.

"I have always treated the club and the national team as two different entities," Agius replied when asked if he viewed today's match as a chance to press home his international credentials.

"I'm satisfied with my performances for Valletta FC this season. People talk about my absence from the national team for the last game but as far as I'm concerned, it has been business as usual.

"I'm concentrating on my club career and the rest will sort itself out. I have nothing to prove."

For Sliema, this afternoon's match is perhaps their last opportunity to stay in the title hunt as victory would take them within five points of their imminent opponents.

"This game is our final chance to keep our title hopes alive," goalkeeper Simon Agius said.

"In all honesty, we felt the same before our meeting with Birkirkara (Sliema lost 2-1) but we were seriously depleted for that match. That defeat is behind us now.

"The match against Valletta promises to be the ultimate challenge for us. There are high expectations for this game and hopefully we will emerge on top."

Mark Marlow, the Sliema coach, is buoyed by the return from suspension of Josef Mifsud and John Mintoff but captain Ivan Woods is highly doubtful with a calf problem.

This is perhaps the right time for Sliema to take on Valletta, given that the newly-signed Mifsud is unavailable and Priso and Borg are out, but Agius is not reading much into the Citizens' difficulties.

"It's a plus for any team when your opponents have some important players missing but Valletta are unlikely to be affected because they have a very strong squad," Agius said.

"They have very good replacements and they will surely do their best to justify their selection."

The 2-1 upset to Birkirkara had piled up the pressure on Sliema to take maximum points from their clash with Tarxien, whom they beat 2-0.

Agius said the Blues didn't press the panic button.

"Winning the match before the big clash with a team like Valletta is very important for the morale of the team but our coach and the technical staff know how to motivate the players," Agius said.

"We were disappointed to lose to Birkirkara but we didn't make a big fuss about it."

Invited to assess Valletta's main strengths, Agius said: "Their midfield and forward line. Valletta have signed several attack-minded players this season but, in my opinion, it's their defence that needed strengthening."

Results so far: Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers 1-0, 1-3.