Birkirkara’s Zach Muscat (left) will be looking to curb the threat posed by Hibs’ Clayton Failla. Photo: Chris Sant FournierBirkirkara’s Zach Muscat (left) will be looking to curb the threat posed by Hibs’ Clayton Failla. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

‘Team to beat’ is a commonly-used phrase in football parlance.

On the eve of the top-of-the-table duel between Hibernians and Birkirkara, the coaches of these two heavyweights both described the opposition as the ‘team to beat’ by way of stressing the magnitude of the task awaiting their side in this evening’s match at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 17.00).

Although it’s too early in the season to talk of decisive clashes, the two pace-setters must be relishing the prospect of underlining their championship credentials as well as landing an early blow in the nascent title race.

Hibs, the only unbeaten side in the top flight, are four points ahead of Birkirkara who put their title bid back on track last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over champions Valletta.

Branko Nisevic, the Hibs coach, is expecting a tight encounter.

“This is the first match between the leading two teams,” the Serbian coach told Times of Malta. “There is nothing to hide as we know them well and they know us.

“For the past three years, Birkirkara have been one of the top sides in the league, the team to beat in a way.

“They have changed their strikers from last season but Birkirkara have remained highly competitive.

“They have replaced the foreigners that left. In fact, their Brazilian striker (Liliu) is the league’s top scorer with seven goals.”

After seven successive wins, Hibs surrendered their perfect record last weekend after being held to a 1-1 draw by neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows. While admitting that the players were disappointed after the derby, Nisevic insisted that the result has not punctured their confidence.

“Immediately after the game (against Tarxien), I can’t say that we were happy,” Nisevic said.

“We were not satisfied with the outcome but I told the players that we can’t win every game.

“The other teams are also doing their best to get a good result.

“We’re now focusing only on the Birkirkara game and I’m fully confident in the abilities of my team.”

Nisevic must make at least two changes as Marcelo Dias received a one-match ban following his red card in the derby and Johann Bezzina is recovering from a twisted ankle.

With Brazilian playmaker Jackson Lima set to replace the fast-improving Bezzina in midfield, it is Dias’s absence that looks particularly troubling for Nisevic as the speedy wing-back’s rapid incursions on the right flank are an essential part of Hibs’ attacking acumen.

Nisevic sought to play down Dias’s absence.

“We have two options for every position,” he said. “We will certainly find the right replacement for Dias.”

Birkirkara’s strong display in the defeat of Valletta was seen as an ominous warning for Hibs but Nisevic is not overly concerned.

“In every game, you see different aspects of a team,” Nisevic opined.

“In the match against Tarxien, Birkirkara played generally well but the approach of their opponents caused them problems.

“On the other hand, Valletta were not very aggressive and that also helped Birkirkara to show their full potential.

“Birkirkara had also done well against Mosta and, all in all, I believe that they are going through a good patch.”

For Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, the challenge facing his team this evening is twofold.

“This game presents two main challenges for our team,” Zammit said.

“It is a test that will show us where we stand as we are playing against the team to beat, not just because Hibs are top of the league but also because they have a strong squad. They have proved themselves this season.

“The second challenge is bigger than the first. It has to do with us and our ability to be consistent.

“We can’t have a good game against Valletta and then allow our level to drop in the next.

“Are we up for the challenge of maintaining a high level of consistency?”

Coming after a 3-1 upset to Tarxien, the win over Valletta must have had a galvanising effect on Birkirkara.

“Winning elicits different types of motivation,” Zammit said. “The game against Valletta was one of many clashes with a direct rival and winning obviously enhanced our motivation.

“We need to recognise what we did well in that game and build on it. That match is behind us.

“I’m pretty sure that both teams are doing a lot of tactical work. It’s a game that can go either way. Mistakes, little details, can decide the outcome.”

Asked if Dias’s absence is a plus for the Stripes, Zammit replied: “Hibs are strong collectively but there are certain elements that further enhance the strength of their team.

“Key players are always missed but I don’t think it (Dias’s absence) will be a factor. It will not weaken them.

“Hibs have Jackson Lima on the bench and that says a lot about the depth of their squad.”

Midfielder Gareth Sciberras is still recuperating from a fractured fibula. Matheus Bissi and Rafael Ledesma picked up knocks in the win over Valletta but both are expected to be declared fit to play.

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