Rivals City, Greens on collision course

Valletta may be everyone’s favourites to win the BOV Premier League title but Floriana’s ascent into the upper echelons of the standings has raised hopes of a balanced and combative derby this afternoon at the National Stadium (kick-off 4 p.m.).

Duels between Valletta and Floriana always evoke significant interest, what with the incandescent rivalry between the supporters of these two neighbouring clubs.

Four points to the good at the summit of the Premier League table, the Citizens are fancied to stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches but, on the other side of the coin, the Greens will be relishing the prospect of inflicting a first defeat on their sporting foes.

A draw or victory for Floriana today would also help to soften the memories of their 3-1 upset to Valletta in the National League 100 Anniversary Cup final in April, the last time the two adversaries met in a competitive match.

“This is the game of the fans,” Jesmond Zerafa, the Valletta coach, said. “The supporters of the two clubs eagerly await the derby. As I’ve been saying since day one of the season, consistency is the key to success and our target is to extend our positive run.

“We had a three-week break from competitive football and the players are raring to go.”

Defender Kenneth Scicluna is still recovering from hernia surgery but otherwise, Zerafa has a full squad at his disposal. Brazilian defender Ramon is in line to return for Valletta after shaking off the knock that ruled him out of the 4-0 win over Sliema Wanderers.

The City players have so far heeded Zerafa’s appeal to strive for consistency as they are the only team to boast an undefeated record this season after winning five and drawing two of their opening seven matches.

“The league is still in its early stages but we’ve certainly enjoyed a very positive start,” Zerafa said. “This is down to the determination and the commitment of the players. Our aim is to win every game but it’s easier said than done.”

Zerafa did acknowledge that the fans’ enthusiasm for this game should reinforce the motivation of the players to win the derby.

“It’s an important game and it’s our duty to do more than our best to live up to the fans’ expectations,” Zerafa said. “We are determined to continue where we left off before the break knowing that a victory would make our supporters very happy.”

Floriana may not be regarded among the title contenders but Zerafa is not underestimating their threat.

“Floriana have a young and competitive team,” Zerafa said “The president of the club is new and their players will be eager to do well.

“All the teams in the Premier League can pose a threat but if my players are disciplined and perform to their full potential, we will get a good result. As much as we respect our opponents, we prefer to focus on our strengths.”

A 1-0 victory over Old Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers last Saturday enhanced Floriana’s optimism ahead of their first-round meeting with Valletta as the Greens climbed to second place on 13 points.

Todor Raykov is preparing to take charge of his first derby as Floriana coach but the Bulgarian has been left in no doubt that this match holds special significance for the fans.

“Everybody has been waiting for this match,” Raykov said. “The fans are showing more interest and enthusiasm because we’re playing Valletta next.

“For me, this is a normal game but the players will certainly be fully motivated because they’re facing some of the best elements in Maltese football. Valletta have the strongest squad are the only unbeaten team in the league this season.”

Raykov is still without Bulgarian midfielder Kiril Dzhorov who has been hospitalised after suffering a complication in his recovery from an ankle injury. Flank defender Owen Bugeja is also likely to miss out today as he is still struggling with a groin problem.

Recognition of the size of the challenge awaiting Floriana today against the Premier League pace-setters has not dampened Raykov’s confidence.

“We have a chance to fight for points in this match,” Raykov remarked. “If the players work hard, we can get something. Every member of my squad wants to show his best. The morale is high after our victory against Sliema.”

The other Premier League matches this weekend…

Hibs vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 2 p.m., National Stadium).

Hibs and Sliema Wanderers were widely tipped to challenge for a top-four position this season but a dismal run has jeopardised their chances of making the Championship Pool, never mind fighting for the title.

The Paolites’ 2-0 upset in the derby against Tarxien Rainbows extended their winless run to seven games while the Blues suffered their third consecutive defeat when losing 1-0 to Floriana.

Both teams are desperate to stop the rot by winning their direct encounter this afternoon.

English defender Matthew Clarke, who was deployed in midfield in Hibs’ last two games, and Scottish midfielder Richie Hart were struggling with knocks but both are expected to recover in time to face Sliema.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, is also hopeful that young forward Jean Paul Farrugia shakes off a groin strain but Ryan Camilleri is still on the casualty list.

Sliema coach Mark Marlow is buoyed by the return of Brazilian playmaker Jackson Lima who served his one-match suspension in the defeat to Floriana. Nigerian forward Obinna Obiefule is making progress in his recovery from injury but he’s not expected to start today.

Marsaxlokk vs Qormi (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Marsaxlokk will be bidding to return to winning ways after their one-all draw with Vittoriosa Stars last weekend but Qormi are under greater pressure to improve their results after taking only two points from their last four games.

Argentine forward Julio Alcorse is back in the frame for Marsaxlokk after completing his two-match ban. Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi is also boosted by the return of Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev who has been out for several weeks with a groin injury but Clive Brincat is still sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi has injury concerns over three players. Georgia Mallia and Abubakar Bello Osagie, who came off during the 2-0 defeat to Birkirkara last weekend, are doubtful with a hamstring problem while Belgian defender Jason Vandelannoite is struggling with a foot injury.

Birkirkara vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Birkirkara are bracing themselves for a tough assignment as they will come across an in-form Tarxien Rainbows who have won their last three games.

While the reigning champions are eager to embark on a run of victories to put their title defence bid back on the track, Tarxien are determined to prolong their unbeaten run as they pursue their first competitive victory over Birkirkara.

“On paper, Birkirkara are better than us,” Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien Rainbows coach, said. “They are a team on the mend but we’ve also been playing well lately, especially in defence.

“Our improved performances have strengthened my optimism that we can give Birkirkara a hard time and take something from the match. Our mentality is the same, we always play to win.”

Coleiro has no selection problems with Ryan Grech and Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno set to be included in the squad after recuperating from injuries.

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit is concerned about the fitness of winger Trevor Cilia and Serbian defender Nikola Vukanac.

“Tarxien have to be considered as one of the most in-form teams after winning their last three matches,” Zammit said.

“For sure, we’re in for a difficult game. Much of the focus has been on their foreigners, who have certainly given Tarxien a boost, but their Maltese players are also doing their bit.

“That said, we believe in the potential of our team and our objective is to keep picking up the points to improve our position in the table.

“Every game is important because, with the way the league is going, a win lifts you back in a top position whereas a defeat drops you in the bottom zone.”