Greens out to slow City’s march

Valletta fans were in party mood last Saturday after the 1-0 win over Birkirkara but expect celebrations to be louder and wilder were the Whites to widen their seven-point margin at the top with victory over Floriana tomorrow even though the Greens will be relishing the prospect of putting a spanner in their rivals’ title bid.

Back-to-back wins over Tarxien and Ħamrun have restored optimism at Floriana who come into their encounter with the leaders knowing that a win would significantly improve their chances of holding on to second place and potentially revive their title hopes.

It goes without saying that Valletta will be going all out to preserve their unbeaten run.

“There’s more of an upbeat feeling after our win over Birkirkara,” Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg said.

“Everyone recognises the importance of the next match and we’re determined to do our very best to stay on track.”

The pressure to win goes up by a notch or two before a derby duel.

“I wouldn’t say that there is more pressure but the excitement is greater,” Hogg said.

“This match means so much to the fans and we’re certainly aware of that but as professionals, we have to focus on our performance.”

Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa is expected to make at least two changes from the Birkirkara game. Ryan Fenech, back from suspension, is set to replace Jamie Pace, who must serve a one-match ban, and defender Ramon is likely to keep his place in the team after coming on for the injured Roderick Briffa against Birkirkara.

On paper, Valletta are favourites to win but Hogg is bracing himself for a tough match.

“I’m not surprised that Floriana are doing well because they have a good team,” he remarked.

“They have brought in a number of quality players this year. But, all games were difficult for us despite the fact that we’re seven points ahead at the top.”

Hogg agrees that a derby win would take them within touching distance of the league crown.

“I agree, a win would put us in a prime position to clinch the title,” Hogg observed.

“Playing in the position we are is not easy because everyone is fired up to beat us but I believe we can cope with the situation.”

Valletta boast several ball artists in their squad but they also have the meanest rearguard in the Premier League with only 13 goals conceded in 21 matches. Their defensive record is also testament to Hogg’s competence and that of his back-line colleagues.

“I think I have the most difficult job of all my peers in the league,” Hogg reflected.

“Being Valletta goalkeeper brings added pressures because we’re the best supported side and also because of the high expectations around the team.

“I spend half the game watching but you have to be fully concentrated all the time. I’m quite pleased with my contribution this season but the most important thing is that I’m enjoying myself.”

With Marsaxlokk meeting Birkirkara this afternoon, Floriana could well find themselves in third place by the time they line up for the derby. The tight situation in the Championship Pool leaves the Greens with no margin for error.

“Games between Floriana and Valletta are special for both clubs,” Floriana striker Ivan Woods said.

“This fixture creates a lot of interest, even if the two teams were struggling in the lower part of the table. It’s an important match for both teams. We need the three points to strengthen second place.”

Floriana have no selection worries. Their morale is sky-high after winning six points from their last two matches.

“Every game has its own story,” Woods said.

“We’re confident of winning every match but past results don’t count. The next game is always the most important and you have to be 100 per cent focused on it.

“We know that the game against Valletta will be very difficult but a win is not impossible. I believe we can take heart from our positive performances in the two previous games against Valletta this season.”

Results this season: Valletta vs Floriana 0-0, 2-0.

The other matches

Vittoriosa vs Sliema (today 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

It’s win-or-bust for Vittoriosa who are languishing at the bottom with only four games left. On the other hand, Sliema will be mathematically safe if they take three points from this Relegation Pool encounter.

Both teams suffered defeats in their last outings as Vittoriosa went down 4-1 to Qormi and Sliema lost 1-0 to Hibs.

Sliema coach Danilo Doncic can’t name his strongest team as midfielder Mark Scerri picked up an injury in training. Alex Muscat and goalkeeper Viktor Szentpeteri are sidelined and Etienne Barbara is rated as doubtful.

Winston Muscat, the Vittoriosa coach, is still without Pierre Aquilina but all the other players are available for selection. Vittoriosa have parted with midfielder Kevin Mifsud.

Muscat can’t take his usual place in the dug-out today as he must serve the second of a two-match touchline ban.

Results this season: Vittoriosa vs Sliema 0-1, 3-4.

Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara (today 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

A direct encounter between two sides with high hopes of claiming the runners-up spot.

Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara come into this match on the back of contrasting results as the Blues extended their positive run with a 1-0 win over Tarxien and the Stripes all but bid adieu to their title hopes after their 1-0 defeat to Valletta.

Patrick Curmi, the Marsaxlokk coach, can’t rely on Peter Pullicino after the former Malta midfielder injured his knee ligaments in the Tarxien win. Striker Alfred Effiong is suffering from a fractured wrist but may be included in the squad while defender Clive Brincat is in the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring problem.

Birkirkara could be without some key players today. Coach Paul Zammit may have to make do without goalkeeper Michael Fraser who suffered an injury in training while Trevor Cilia, Shaun Bajada and Angus Buhagiar are not 100 per cent fit. Rowen Muscat is another doubt as he has yet to fully recover from a muscle strain.

Results this season: Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 5-2, 2-0.

Ħamrun vs Tarxien (tomorrow at 2 p.m., National Stadium).

After successive draws against Valletta and Birkirkara, Ħamrun came unstuck against Floriana while Tarxien failed to arrest their negative run despite producing an improved showing in a 1-0 defeat to Marsaxlokk.

Steve D’Amato, the Ħamrun coach, is boosted by the return from suspension of Jovan Vukanic. Dylan Kokavessis is expected to make his comeback from injury but Peter Anizoba is still out.

For Tarxien, Justin Grioli is suspended and Mark Tanti is a long-term absentee with a cruciate injury but otherwise coach Noel Coleiro has no selection problems.

Results so far: Ħamrun vs Tarxien 3-1, 1-3.