Champions Valletta find themselves under mounting pressure to get their act together after taking only four points from their first four league games.

Although it is still early in the season, Valletta are already eight points off the title pace after their 2-1 defeat to leaders Hibernians last weekend and anything but a win from their clash with fellows-in-distress Sliema Wanderers tomorrow (kick-off 18.00) would deal another hammer blow to their fragile confidence.

Valletta coach Gilbert Agius acknowledged that victory is a must.

“We need a good result not to make up for our defeat to Hibernians but to kickstart our recovery after a disappointing start to the season,” Agius, who succeeded Dutchman Andre Paus, told Times of Malta.

“Hibernians deserved to win on Sunday. I said before the game that Hibs are the most in-form team.”

On paper, the challenge awaiting Valletta tomorrow is different to the one they faced last weekend as, while Hibernians were flying after three wins on the trot, Sliema are still without a win after four games.

Not that Agius is reading too much into Sliema’s results.

“We are only concerned about our team,” Agius insisted.

“Last week, we had a tough game against a Hibs team who were coming from three consecutive wins.

“Now we are preparing to face Sliema who will be determined to bounce back after an unconvincing start.

“All matches are difficult.”

Agius will be without a host of key players tomorrow. Malta defender Jonathan Caruana is out after having surgery on his injured groin in Germany this week.

Barry return

Steve Borg suffered an injury during Sunday’s match while captain Ryan Fenech and Tunisian winger Abdelkarim Nafti are doubtful. Christian Caruana is still out of the equation.

On the plus side, Hamza Barry has finally rejoined the team after the club resolved the visa issues that delayed his return from Tunisia.

The Gambian midfielder, whose move to Esperance failed to materialise, is short of fitness but he may be included in the squad tomorrow.

After the departure of a host of key personnel, especially foreigners, who helped them win a league and cup double last season, Valletta have had to bring in new players but even so, no-one envisaged such a poor start from them.

“There is room for improvement from everyone,” Agius replied when asked if the changes had had a negative effect on the team.

“There is no difference between the new players and the old ones. If you look at our line-ups for the first four league games, those selected are all very good players in our opinion.

“But the results have not justified this as we only have four points from four games and this represents a disastrous start for Valletta.

“Everyone must assume their responsibilities but we need to move on and see where we can improve.”

Sliema, who drew 0-0 with Qormi last weekend, are very much in the same situation as Valletta.

Their solid performances in the Europa League had raised hope that Sliema were closing the gap on the leading Premier League teams but their stuttering start to the league trek has dampened optimism.

“Both teams are going through a difficult period,” Alfonso Greco, the Sliema coach, said of tomorrow’s game against Valletta.

“We will both be looking to get our season back on the track.

“Regardless of their results so far, Valletta are still a strong and important club whereas we still need to find our feet.”

Sliema have also recruited new players in the summer as the likes of Malta captain Michael Mifsud, former Parma forward Andrea Pisanu, defender Andrea Scozzese and midfielder Marko Potezica have joined the team but the Blues have yet to click into gear.

Greco blamed Sliema’s early-season troubles on “an accumulation of situations”.

“There were some players who left the club and others suffered injuries like Alex Muscat, who had an operation, Mark Scerri and Michael Mifsud, who had to come off at half-time during the last game,” Greco said.

“When you are trying to create a group, you need time to get to know each other. It’s like having a new squad.

“We also had new players coming in who were not 100 per cent fit.”

Valletta may have been well below their best so far but Greco warned that their struggles will only increase their determination to win tomorrow.

“They know that they are not coming from a good spell,” Greco said. “I expect Valletta to be aggressive from the start... it will not be easy for us.

“But we also need a positive result. This would give faith and confidence to the players.”

This week, Sliema completed the signing of Fabio Mangiacasale but it is still unclear whether the Italian winger is eligible to make his debut tomorrow.