The quest for Premier League survival resumes in earnest this evening when the opening two Relegation Pool matches are played at the Tedesco Stadium.
Given that the leading trio among the strugglers have a significant lead over the bottom three, it has been widely suggested that the fight against the drop is a three-way affair but with 10 games remaining and 30 points up for grabs, the relegation issue is still wide open.
Floriana and Qormi, two of the better-placed teams in the bottom pool, will be bidding to hit the ground running as they look to pull further clear of the danger zone.
On the other side of the coin, Melita and Rabat Ajax will be determined to underline their resolve to produce a stern challenge and make the most of the lifeline handed to them by the points-halved format of the championship which favours the chasing teams.
This has been a turbulent season for Floriana but coach Iain Brunskill will surely urge his players not to dwell on the past and focus on the present and future as the Greens seek to dispel their relegation fears as quickly as possible.
Since accepting Floriana’s offer to succeed Stephen Azzopardi, Brunskill has had little to smile about as the team’s win over Hibs was overturned by the MFA Protests Board over the ineligibility of Harry Agombar and their second-round derby against Valletta ended in a 3-0 defeat last week.
Brunskill can’t rely on a full squad as Sacha Borg and Gary Roberts are ruled out with suspension. There are doubts over Brooke Farrugia’s availability while Igor Coronado was due to have a late fitness test yesterday as the Brazilian has been struggling with a groin strain.
Melita, one point behind third-from-bottom Ħamrun Spartans, are hopeful that playmaker Julian Galea receives the green light to play. Galea has been sidelined for several weeks with a broken arm. Karl Vella Petroni is out, suspended, while Spanish coach Patxi Salinas will have to watch the game from the stands after being handed a two-match touchline ban.
Melita have written to the Malta FA to complain about the ‘harsh manner’ in which they are being treated by the match officials.
The two previous encounters between Floriana and Melita this season ended in a draw, 2-2 and 0-0.
Eight points clear of the relegation zone, Qormi will make a significant step towards retaining their top-flight status if they beat bottom side Rabat this evening.
Qormi’s confidence is high after they advanced to the semi-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy on Sunday following a 1-0 win over Balzan. But, their preparations for today’s game have been disrupted by concerns over the fitness of a host of players who have been down with flu. These include Matthew Gauci, Matthew Bartolo, Luke Sciberras, Alfred Effiong and Christian Cassar.
Rabat bowed out of the Trophy after losing 3-0 to Valletta but in their last league outing, the Magpies finally broke their duck after edging Mosta 3-2.
Clifford Gauci is an injury doubt for Rabat while Malcolm Licari is still recovering from a groin strain.
Qormi have a perfect record against Rabat this season after winning their previous two meetings 1-0 and 3-0.
Balzan statement
Meanwhile, Balzan said in a statement yesterday that Pedrinho and Elton have returned to Brazil for family reasons.
Both have promised to rejoin Balzan when the situation at home improves, the club said.
Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium): 6pm Melita vs Floriana; 8.15pm Rabat Ajax vs Qormi.
Tomorrow (National Stadium): 2pm Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows; 4pm Mosta vs Valletta.
Sunday (Hibs Stadium): 2pm Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara; 4pm Balzan vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Division One
Today (Centenary Stadium): 6pm Pietà Hotspurs vs Marsaxlokk; 8pm Gudja United vs Gżira United.