The 2014/15 BOV Division One league gets under way this evening when St George’s take on Msida St Joseph in the opening match at the Luxol Stadium (kick-off 19.30).
A total of 14 teams are contesting the championship after 13 took part last season following Marsaxlokk’s decision to drop down to Division Three due to financial problems.
As in the past few years, the fight for promotion is expected to be keenly-contested as a host of teams have set their sights on securing a place in the Premier League next season.
The top two teams at the end of the championship gain automatic promotion while the third-placed side will be involved in a play-off against the team finishing third from bottom in the Premier League.
Three teams will be relegated to Division Two.
Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, Msida St Joseph have been very busy in the transfer market, recruiting a host of new foreigners. Saviour Debono Grech, who was Branko Nisevic’s assistant at Hibs last season, has been tasked with masterminding the Saints’ promotion bid.
Gżira United, spearheaded by Sharlon Pace, have overhauled their squad in the hope of mounting a strong challenge for promotion.
The Maroons, who reached the semi-finals of the U*Bet FA Trophy last season, are under the guidance of Michael Woods who replaced Ivan Zammit in the close season.
Gżira kick off their league campaign with a match against Vittoriosa Stars tomorrow at the Centenary Stadium.
Vittoriosa will be looking to make an immediate return to the top flight after suffering relegation on the final day of last season. Brian Spiteri has been appointed coach after Oliver Spiteri left the club to take charge of Premier League side Balzan.
The Cottonera outfit have a host of foreigners in their ranks, including Brazilian midfielder Carlos Compagnoli who played for them three seasons ago, but they will also be relying on homegrown talent, the likes of Liam Gauci and Gianluca Sultana, two promising youngsters.
St Andrew’s name Said as player-coach
St Andrew’s, who finished third last season, are also expected to be among the promotion candidates but their preparations for the new season were dealt an unexpected setback last weekend when Serbian coach Danilo Doncic resigned after receiving an offer to coach Al-Najma FC in Bahrain.
The committee of St Andrew’s yesterday appointed Brian Said as player-coach. The former Malta international will take charge of his first match tomorrow when the Saints meet newly-promoted Fgura United in their opening game.
Rabat Ajax, who take on Division Two champions Mqabba on Sunday, are expected to rely mostly on Maltese players following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Melita, now under the charge of Neil Zarb Cousin, face neighbouring rivals Pembroke Athleta.
In Sunday’s other games, Gudja United meet Birżebbuġa St Peter’s while Żurrieq play against Lija Athletic.
Opening fixtures
Today: (Luxol Stadium) 19.30 St George’s vs Msida St Joseph.
Tomorrow: (Centenary Stadium) 16.00 Vittoriosa Stars vs Gżira United; 18.00 Fgura United vs St Andrew’s.
Sunday: (Centenary Stadium) 16.00 Rabat Ajax vs Mqabba; 18.00 Melita vs Pembroke Athleta. (Tedesco Stadium) 16.00 Gudja United vs Birżebbuġa St Peter’s; 18.00 Żurrieq vs Lija Athletic.