League champions Valletta have a perfect opportunity to put behind them poor early-season form with victory over Floriana at the National Stadium tonight (kick-off: 8.30pm).

The 2013-14 campaign may still be in its infancy but Valletta are already feeling the pressure as they’re still in search of a first competitive victory in five outings.

Below-par showings in the Premier League – against Mosta (0-1) and Tarxien Rainbows (0-0) – have left Gilbert Agius’s team in the lower half of the standings with a single point to show.

As with the Citizens, Floriana have little to smile about as they are also without a win following a crushing 3-0 defeat to Hibernians before an improved 1-1 draw against Sliema Wanderers.

Ryan Fenech, the Valletta skipper, admitted his team has struggled so far this season but says it will not be long before they will show their true prowess.

“Results could have been much better for us,” Fenech told Times of Malta yesterday.

“Against Mosta it was not our best performance but we still had our chances to draw level while against Tarxien we did everything we could bar putting the ball into their net.

“We have some new players in the squad who are yet to settle in. But we should continue improving and it’s only a matter of time before you see the real strength in our team.”

The derby, inevitably, carries a lot of expectations for both sets of players due to the huge rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

For Fenech today’s match represents a perfect opportunity for the champions to give their fans a timely cheer.

“Everyone knows this match means so much to our supporters,” Fenech said.

“A win is a must not only because we are facing Floriana but also because we cannot drop more points. We are working a lot in training to improve our condition and, hopefully, we can deliver in our next match.”

Valletta’s early season troubles did not go unnoticed by Floriana and midfielder Clyde Borg said the Greens will do everything they can to profit from their rivals’ struggles.

“There is a growing belief in our squad that we can get a result against Valletta,” the former Malta U-21 international said.

“Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Sliema was a timely lift for us after a very poor showing in our previous match. Against Sliema we played more confidently and there was a lot of fight in us. If we take the pitch with the same attitude we can pose problems for Valletta.

“We know they’re not passing through a bright patch while we continue to improve with every match. That makes us confident we can create an upset.”

Balzan foreigners

The midweek Premier League programme gets under way this evening with Birkirkara fancied to make it three wins in a row when they face Naxxar Lions, who only have one point to show from two matches.

Tomorrow’s highlight match will be played at the National Stadium where Hibs take on Sliema Wanderers, two teams likely to challenge for the main honours this season.

At the Tedesco Stadium, Balzan could have two new foreigners available for their clash against Qormi.

Balzan have brought in Nigerian players Noah Ojula (defender) and Frederic Nonso (midfielder).

However, Balzan are still waiting for the transfer documents to complete registration in time for tomorrow’s match.

Programme

Playing today

National Stadium
Birkirkara vs Naxxar Lions - 18.30
Floriana vs Valletta - 20.30

Tomorrow

National Stadium
Qormi vs Balzan - 18.30
Hibernians vs Sliema - 20.30

Tedesco Stadium
Mosta vs Żebbuġ Rangers - 18.30
Tarxien vs Pietà Hotspurs - 20.45

Standings