Level-pegging on 10 points, Old Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers and Floriana will be aiming to step up their quest for a top-four spot when they go head to head this evening.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema coach, anticipates a close encounter between two teams whose league campaign has followed a similar path so far.

“For people of a certain age, the Sliema-Floriana fixture has a lot of prestige attached to it,” Azzopardi told Times of Malta.

“On paper, there is little between the two but in reality, most of the teams are close to each other.

“Our campaign has been very similar to that of Floriana in the sense that we both embarked on a positive run after losing the first two games.

“It will be a difficult match.

“The two clubs also have practically the same objectives, so there are a lot of similarities.”

Sliema may be on a four-match unbeaten streak but their scoring record leaves a lot to be desired as they have only found the net four times in six games, including two own goals.

“Every football team has a set of boxes to tick,” Azzopardi said of Sliema’s performances so far.

“We have some boxes that are ticked but scoring is not one of them. The team is functioning and creating chances.

“In our draw against Qormi, we had 10 opportunities and in the last outing against St Andrew’s, we created fewer chances but we still could have scored more.

“We are working hard to address this flaw. It’s all about getting our players to put the ball into the net.

“Confidence plays a key role and it’s an area we’re trying to improve.

“We have only scored two goals as the other two were own goals but, on the other hand, we have one of the best defensive records in the championship.”

Floriana were something of an unknown quantity at the start of the season as the Greens brought in a new coach, Luis Oliveira replacing Giovanni Tedesco, and revamped their squad.

These wholesale changes made Floriana quite unpredictable, a fact acknowledged by Azzopardi.

“The main issue about playing Floriana is that, when they were under Tedesco, we were familiar with their approach and players but this season, they have a new coach and their foreigners are also new,” the Sliema coach remarked.

“The dilemma is to try and understand what type of team we’re going to face. And it’s not only Floriana to a certain extent as the increase in the quota of foreigners has had an impact on all the teams.

“Besides, there are many new foreigners in the Premier League.”

Azzopardi has concerns over goalkeeper Glenn Zammit who is doubtful with a knee injury.

Midfielder Mark Scerri is set to return after recovering from the head wound he suffered in the 2-1 win over Mosta while striker Jerry Ani has rejoined the Blues.

Sliema are also expected to register three Colombian players, two wing-backs and a striker, but these are not expected to be available today.

Floriana coach Luis Oliveira has no selection problems.

Winning today’s ‘derby’ is a must for Oliveira as the Belgian is targeting a place in the Europa League.

“We are ready and we have to win this derby,” Oliveira said.

“It will be a difficult game because Sliema, like us, are in good form.

“It’s a derby game and anything can happen but my players are prepared.”

Competitive league

Given that only five points separate the top eight teams after six games, the fight for the title and European football is expected to be very open and exciting.

In this context, every point dropped can prove costly in the final reckoning, especially in direct confrontations.

Oliveira agrees.

“Floriana can’t afford to drop points if we really want to maintain our bid for a top position,” he said.

“Our match against Sliema is a direct clash as we want to challenge for a place in Europe but there are many teams fighting to climb up the table.

“Sliema are in the top-four race and Balzan are challenging for the title… it’s a balanced and interesting championship.”

Programme

Playing today
National Stadium: 3pm Tarxien Rainbows vs Valletta; 5pm Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers.
Tedesco Stadium: 3pm Naxxar Lions vs Pembroke Athleta; 5.15pm Balzan vs Qormi.

Tomorrow
National Stadium: 3pm Birkirkara vs St Andrew’s; 5pm Hibernians vs Mosta.