Fierce promotion fight expected

The 2011/12 BOV Division One league kicks off this evening when the opening two games are played at the Centenary Stadium.

This year’s championship is being contested by 12 clubs, an increase of two on the previous seasons after the Malta FA embarked on a reform of its national leagues in a bid to make them more interesting and appealing to the fans.

The rise in the number of teams is expected to intensify the battle for the two promotion slots and several Division One clubs have been very busy in the transfer market this summer to strengthen their squads.

Vittoriosa Stars, the only team relegated from the Premier League last season, are eyeing an immediate return to the top division. Former Malta midfielder Joe Brincat has taken over as Vittoriosa Stars coach after the departure of Winston Muscat who is now in charge of Premier League club Marsaxlokk.

After missing out on promotion in a decider with Mosta, Melita, under the guidance of Martin Gregory, will fancy their chances of a top-two finish this season. They are likely to face stiff competition from rivals Luxol whose acquisition of former Malta defender Brian Said was interpreted by many as a clear sign of the club’s ambition to fight for promotion.

Lija Athletic and St George’s also have high hopes of producing a sustained challenge while newcomers Żejtun Corinthians should not be underestimated after claiming back-to-back promotions.

Pietà Hotspurs and Dingli Swallows will be aiming for a top-half finish while promoted sides Rabat Ajax, Naxxar Lions, St Patrick and Birżebbuġa St Peter’s are eyeing survival in what promises to be a fierce fight to avoid relegation.

Programme
Today (Centenary Stadium): 6 p.m. St Patrick vs Żejtun Corinthians; 8 p.m. Dingli Swallows vs St Andrews.
Tomorrow (Centenary Stadium): 4 p.m. Birżebbuġa St Peter’s vs Melita; 6 p.m. Vittoriosa Stars vs Lija Athletic.
Sunday (Centenary Stadium): 4 p.m. St George’s vs Rabat Ajax; 6 p.m. Pietà Hotspurs vs Naxxar Lions.