There will be a lot at stake for Qormi and Żebbuġ Rangers when they go head-to-head at the Hibernians Stadium this afternoon (kick-off 4pm). The two rivals are embroiled in a relegation dogfight, separated by a mere two points at the foot of the table.

Qormi look to have a slight edge over their rivals in the shape of a two-point lead but, if current form is anything to go by, the momentum is certainly with Rangers.

While Qormi are in a freefall after going 11 games without a win, Żebbuġ have been on an upward trajectory since Alfonso Greco took charge of the team in late October.

Their contrasting form was in abundant evidence on Tuesday when Qormi crashed to a 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Tarxien Rainbows while Żebbuġ came back from a goal down to overcome Pietà Hotspurs 2-1 in another relegation duel.

Qormi coach Josef Mansueto reckons today’s derby is crucial for both teams.

“First and foremost, this is an important match because it’s the derby,” Mansueto told Times of Malta.

“Secondly, considering the positions of the two teams in the table, it’s a crucial game. Both teams are eager for the points and I hope that it will be an entertaining encounter.”

With Qormi in the doldrums after back-to-back defeats to Pietà and Tarxien, this is perhaps not the best time for them to take on their sporting foes in a relegation showdown but Mansueto is not dwelling on the past.

“It’s a derby and I’m not entertaining thoughts as to whether the timing is good or bad for us,” Mansueto said.

“This is a fixture like all the others but obviously there’s more enthusiasm from the fans because it’s a derby.”

When the two teams met in the first round – their first clash in the top division in three decades – Żebbuġ adopted a prudent approach as Qormi were the in-form team then, but the roles have been reversed.

“In the first round, Żebbuġ opted for a cautious strategy,” Mansueto said.

“It was their first game under Greco. They tried to contain us and operate with counter-attacks but they have been more adventurous of late and their approach may be different for this game.”

That first-round clash ended one-all.

The chips may be down for the embattled Qormi but Mansueto is backing his players to show character and resilience in the face of adversity.

“The players are very motivated,” the young coach said.

“I am also very motivated and looking forward to the game. The squad is united. The character of the team comes out in difficult times and the way the players have been conducting themselves in training gives me cause for optimism.

“They are determined to give their all to get the three points.”

This week, Qormi sanctioned the transfer of defender Mauricio Mazzetti Latini to Birkirkara while Alejandro Mendoza joined Mansueto’s team on loan.

The Spanish defender can’t make his debut today as he must serve a one-match ban following his red card in the dying stages of Birkirkara’s 1-1 draw with leaders Hibernians last weekend.

Mansueto is also concerned about the fitness of Leighton Grech who is struggling with a minor injury. Serbian defender Zoran Levnaic could also miss out.

Reano signing

Rangers increased their attacking options with the loan signing of striker Luke Montebello from champions Valletta.

This week, Greco gauged the qualities of David Alejandro Reano who was released by Naxxar Lions earlier this month.

The Argentine defender left a good impression and Greco decided to take him on board until the end of the season.

On the negative side, Rangers are still without Scottish livewire Carlo Monti who has a back problem.

Żebbuġ couldn’t have had a better build-up for this afternoon’s derby after their come-from-behind win over the Hotspurs further strengthened their survival bid.

“The victory over Pietà has inevitably given us a lot of confidence,” Greco said.

“The morale is high but we have to keep in mind that we are meeting a team without a win in 11 matches. They will be hugely determined to claim the points.”

For much of the opening four months of the championship, Żebbuġ’s hopes of retaining their status looked remote as they were well adrift of the other strugglers in the bottom half but they have been revitalised by Greco’s arrival and the new signings.

“I have a group of dedicated players,” Greco said.

“We have improved but we can still do better, especially if we get the best out of the new signings, the likes of Rashid Yussuff. If we manage to do that, I’m sure we will get better.”

Qormi may be having problems scoring goals but Greco is not underestimating their attacking threat.

“They are under pressure to get a result,” Grech reckoned.

“In attack, Qormi have quality players who can cause us problems, the likes of Alfred Effiong, Frank Temile and Leighton Grech,”

Heartened by their team’s revival, the Rangers fans are expected to turn up in large numbers for the derby.

Greco believes that the fans’ passionate support will transmit positive energy to the players.

“There is more faith surrounding our squad now,” Greco said.

“The enthusiasm of the fans is high and we have to use this situation to our advantage. The backing of our supporters is an added stimulus for the players.”

First round: Żebbuġ­ vs Qormi 1-1.