The top two teams in the Premier League standings go head-to-head at the National Stadium tomorrow as runaway leaders Valletta take on Tarxien Rainbows in the highlight of this weekend’s programme (kick-off 4 p.m.).
Valletta, the only unbeaten side in the top flight, will be looking to increase their nine-point gap on the Rainbows but the latter must be relishing the chance to underline their growing reputation by claiming the most prized scalp in the top division.
Jesmond Zerafa, the Valletta coach, is wary of the threat posed by the Rainbows. “This is a very important match for us,” Zerafa said.
“No doubt, Tarxien will be tough opponents and we need to be at our best to extend our winning run. Victory would strengthen our position at the top but I’m sure that Tarxien will make it very difficult for us. We must rise to the challenge.
“I think Tarxien will go out to take the three points and we have to be diligent to control their attacking threat as they can be very dangerous with the quality of players they have in their squad.”
Nicky Vella is expected to deputise for regular goalkeeper Andrew Hogg who must serve a one-match ban.
Tarxien are hopeful of being at full strength as Brazilian midfielder Sergio is set to return from Brazil in time to be available for tomorrow’s clash.
Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, promised that his team will be doing their best to overcome Valletta.
“We have nothing to lose from this match,” Coleiro said.
“Valletta are the best team in the league but we will give our all to beat them. We have no intentions to change our approach for this game... our aim is to win.”
First round result – Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows 5-2.
Qormi vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium).
This is a must-win match for top-six hopefuls Qormi and Sliema Wanderers.
With just one point separating the seventh-placed Sliema (14) and Qormi (13), this game is a good opportunity for both sides to climb above sixth-placed Marsaxlokk (15) who have a tough assignment against Birkirkara on today’s second match.
Sliema coach Mark Marlow must make do without defender Josef Mifsud, suspended, while winger John Mintoff is set to be out for two weeks with a knee injury.
Qormi’s new signing Josue Sousa Santos had a positive debut in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Tarxien.
Coach Stephen Azzopardi is still awaiting the clearance of Portuguese midfielder Ibrahima Vaz Sani.
Roderick Sammut (knee) and Joseph Farrugia (ankle) are still sidelined with injury for Qormi.
First round result – Sliema vs Qormi 0-0.
Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara (today at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium).
Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara are keen to gain maximum spoils from today’s match in their bid to put their campaign back on track.
The Stripes’ 3-1 defeat to Valletta put a dent on their hopes of retaining the title as the champions fell 13 points behind the leaders.
Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit can’t field his best team as Paul Fenech and Angus Buhagiar are ruled out by suspension and Trevor Cilia and Ryan Harding are still sidelined.
Marsaxlokk badly need a win to revive their assault on a top-six berth after going six matches without a victory. Captain Carlo Mamo, who missed last week’s 2-2 draw with Hibs due to suspension, is struggling with a knee injury but otherwise Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi has no selection problems.
First round result – Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-5.
Vittoriosa Stars vs Floriana (tomorrow at 2 p.m., National Stadium).
Floriana will fancy their chances of consolidating their position in the top part of the table when they face bottom-placed Vittoriosa Stars.
The Greens are on a roll as back-to-back victories over Marsaxlokk and Ħamrun catapulted them into third place, leading to suggestions that the Greens may emerge as Valletta’s main challengers for the title.
Coach Todor Raykov lost Christian Cassar to a knee injury during the 3-1 win over Ħamrun last week while Kirill Dzhorov is still recovering from a foot problem.
Vittoriosa were a dejected lot after conceding two stoppage-time goals in Sunday’s 4-3 defeat to Sliema.
Defenders Steve Wellman and Jeffrey Chetcuti and Brazilian forward Edison will miss tomorrow’s game after receiving a one-match ban in midweek.
Vittoriosa yesterday signed former Tarxien midfielder Ryan Grech.
First round result – Floriana vs Vittoriosa Stars 0-0.