Having struggled to find their feet in their last two outings at the Tedesco Stadium, Valletta will be looking to rediscover their early-season panache when the Premier League leaders take on Sliema today.
Valletta president Victor Sciriha expects a bold reaction from his team but admitted that the synthetic turf at the Ħamrun ground and injuries to first-team regulars have complicated matters for the Citizens who are coming from back-to-back draws against Rabat and Balzan.
“We’ll have several players out for this game,” Sciriha told The Times.
“The ground is another factor. The bounce of the ball is different and players fear getting injured.
“Nevertheless, we expect an improved showing from our team. Sliema are not a defensive-minded team and that should make for an open game.”
Mark Miller, the City coach, has no fewer than three key players missing as striker Michael Mifsud is unavailable, Steve Borg is due to have knee surgery today and Dyson Falzon is still recovering from a hamstring problem.
Although the outcomes of late have caused frustration among the City faithful, the mood at Valletta remains upbeat.
“I will be more concerned if we start dropping points when we play at the National Stadium and the Hibs ground,” Sciriha said.
“It’s not only us who are finding it difficult to get results at Ħamrun. Birkirkara have a defeat and a draw to show from their last two games at this same venue. Teams that play attacking football struggle to show their best there.”
This week, Valletta further strengthened their squad with the signing of Belgian defender Jason Vandelannoite.
“It’s an important signing for us,” Sciriha said. “The arrival of a valid player like Vandelannoite will increase competition for places, especially among the foreigners. Miller rates Vandelannoite as one of the best foreigners in the league.”
City’s poor show in their last two games is in contrast with Sliema’s tally of six points as they climbed to third alongside Mosta and Hibs.
The clash with the champions is, on paper, Sliema’s toughest fixture so far and coach Alfonso Greco is hoping that his team rise to the occasion.
“We have to show character against Valletta,” Greco said.
“Valletta are the strongest team in the championship but we will go on the pitch intent on playing our usual game.”
Defender Stefano Bianciardi is doubtful but midfielder Paltemio Barbetti is back from suspension.
Despite Sliema’s better results, Greco is seeking to improve the team’s consistency.
“I’m still looking for that continuity in our performances,” Greco said.
“In terms of the importance of our next game, if we lost, it won’t change anything but for me, it’s the performance that counts.”
In today’s opener, Balzan start favourites to extend their positive run when they face strugglers Rabat.
Renie Forace and Bjorn Bondin are suspended for Balzan while Clint Micallef is out after twisting his ankle against Valletta.
On the plus side, Brazilians Elton and Renato Conceicao are back in the frame.
Rabat’s squad is decimated by injuries and the suspension to Heiner Backhaus. Nerijus Astraus-kas, Adam Smeir, Ryan Micallef and Wayne Borg are all on the sidelines.
Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium): 18.00 Rabat vs Balzan; 20.15 Valletta vs Sliema.
Tomorrow (Hibs Stadium): 14.00 Melita vs Floriana; 16.00 Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Sunday (Tedesco Stadium): 14.00 Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows; 16.15 Mosta vs Birkirkara.
Division One
Today (Centenary Stadium): 18.00 Dingli Swallows vs Lija; 20.00 Vitto-riosa vs Birżebbuġa.