With only two games remaining before the end of the second round, Birkirkara and Balzan will be bidding to stay on the heels of pace-setters Valletta and Hibernians when they meet tomorrow in this weekend’s crunch fixture.

Judging by their position in the standings, the clash between Birkirkara and Balzan promises to be a keenly-contested and close duel as only three points separate the two teams in the upper reaches of the BOV Premier League table.

After watching his team battle out a goalless draw with Floriana last weekend, Birkirkara coach Drazen Besek acknowledged that his team will have their work cut out by the prolific Balzan strikers.

“We are facing a team that has good quality,” the Croatian told Times of Malta.

“They play attacking football and their strikers are very strong. It will not be easy as we know that Balzan can score goals and also have a good coach who knows how to lead his team to a good result.

“Although we have a tough job, I know that our team can also play good football.

“We will be doing everything possible to gain a good result.”

Birkirkara fans will be hoping that the arrival of Croatian striker Matija Smrekar and Senegalese L’Imam Seydi will boost their team’s firepower as the Stripes looked lightweight in attack in recent games.

“Smrekar and Seydi give us more options in attack,” Besek said. “I’m sure we will do better in attack and pose danger to our opponents.”

Left-back Joseph Zerafa suffered a knock in the Floriana game but Besek is hopeful that the Malta international will recover in time to face Balzan. Midfielder Ryan Scicluna is also close to completing his rehabilitation from injury but Edward Herrera is still sidelined.

Besek said it’s still early to identify the leading contenders for the title but insisted that the proximity of the top five teams means that every game is important.

“At the moment, it’s too early to say who will challenge for the title because there are many games left until the end of the season,” Besek, who took over from Giovanni Tedesco in December, said.

“Every game is important. We are aware of our strength but teams like Valletta, Balzan, Hibs and Floriana also have big ambitions.

“We must fight in every game and take our chances.”

Although Birkirkara are a different proposition after revamping their squad under Besek, Oliver Spiteri, the Balzan coach, believes that the Croatian has made a positive imprint on the team.

“Without doubt, the new coach (Besek) has improved Birkirkara’s set-up,” Spiteri said. “Their results of late highlight Birkirkara’s progress as, besides winning five out of their last six games, they have only conceded one goal.

“These figures show that Birkirkara have strengthened the solidity of their team.

“They make it difficult for their opponents, especially when they execute the negative transition.

“When Birkirkara surrender possession, they are quick to get bodies behind the ball.”

Like Birkirkara, Balzan have not lost since going down 2-1 to Valletta. The most uplifting aspect of their positive run of late is Balzan’s scoring from as they have banged in 16 goals and conceded only two in their last four league outings.

While hailing the instant impact made by the January signings, namely goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic, Paul Fenech, Alan Da Silva Souza and Pedrinho, Spiteri insisted that the sense of unity among the players is driving Balzan forward.

“The new signings have integrated quickly into the squad but this also does credit to the other players,” Spiteri said.

“Our team is not only strong in attack but we are an aggressive side as we try to put our opponents under pressure from the start.

“But it’s not just the forwards who are doing their job well, we are also solid in midfield and at the back.

“We have all the cards in place to gain a good result.”

Midfielder Ryan Fenech is ranked doubtful but Luke Sciberras is in line to make his return for Balzan who will be seeking to banish the memories of their 4-1 rout to Birkirkara in the first round.

First round: Birkirkara vs Balzan 4-1.

Programme

Today

Hibs Stadium: 6pm Naxxar Lions vs St Andrew’s; 8pm Valletta vs Mosta.

Tedesco Stadium: 6pm Tarxien vs Qormi; 8.15pm Floriana vs Pembroke.

Tomorrow

National Stadium: 2pm Balzan vs Birkirkara; 4pm Hibs vs Sliema.