Ħamrun, Floriana chase vital points as Premier League resumes

Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana will restart proceedings in the BOV Premier League this evening when they meet at the Tedesco Stadium (kick-off 7.30 p.m.).

The 10 top-flight clubs used the Christmas break to give their players a few days off before getting back in full training groove ahead of what promises to be a tight Championship Pool run-in.

Both Ħamrun and Floriana improved their top-six chances with impressive victories in their last league outings. The Spartans beat Sliema Wanderers 3-2 while the Greens trounced Marsaxlokk 3-0.

Floriana coach Todor Raykov believes that the team that takes the three points today would all but secure its place in the Championship Pool.

“This match is a Championship Pool six-pointer for both teams,” Raykov said.

“Losing is not an option for us as it could put us under increased pressure in this decisive period. Our performance against Marsaxlokk was very good but that will count for nothing if we fail to build on that result against Ħamrun.”

The Floriana coach is expected to include newly-signed strikers Dragomir Draganov and Daniel Nwoke in his squad. American forward Michael Mecerod and Bulgarian defender Ivailo Sokolov have been released by the Greens.

For their part, the Spartans will not have any new faces this evening as they have been quiet in the January transfer window so far.

Coach Steve D’Amato is still without Scottish striker Dene Shields who is recovering from knee surgery while Rupert Mangion (neck) and Jonathan Holland (knee) will undergo a late fitness test. Midfielder Massimo Grima is out of the fixture as he must serve a one-match ban.

“Our recent performances have been very encouraging,” an upbeat D’Amato said.

“After our victory over Sliema, the team continued to train well and last weekend put on a very creditable showing against Serie B side Padova in the Christmas Cup.

“It’s important that we maintain this positive trend against Floriana. We have a string of difficult matches coming up and we must aim to strike a high degree of consistency. There is still a long way to go but I’m confident that we will reach our goal of booking a place in the Championship Pool.”

First round: Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans 2-1.

Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium): 7.30 p.m. Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Tomorrow (National Stadium): 2 p.m. Hibs vs Marsaxlokk; 4 p.m. Valletta vs Birkirkara.
Sunday (Hibs Stadium): 2 p.m. Sliema vs Vittoriosa; 4 p.m. Tarxien vs Qormi.