Balzan and Floriana face their first real test of the season when they go head-to-head at the National Stadium today (kick-off: 18.00).

Both sides took off to the 2016-17 season on a positive note after claiming maximum spoils from their opening two matches of the championship. However, this clash will give the first indications on how far these two teams can aspire for in this campaign.

Balzan had to battle more than expected to see off Mosta (3-2) and Pembroke Athleta (2-1) before the international break but coach Oliver Spiteri is not too concerned with the fact that his team has yet to hit their stride.

He is backing his players to show their true potential against Floriana this evening.

“I’m satisfied with the way the team has fared so far. You know, these are still early days but the performances were very encouraging,” Spiteri told Times of Malta yesterday.

“The league trek is long and very unpredictable so it is important to win every match as victories inject confidence in the players which helps them to raise their performance levels with every week that passes.”

Spiteri said Floriana have become a true force to reckon with following their changes in summer. But Balzan will not be overwhelmed with the challenge coming up.

“I think that the match against Floriana will be a good opportunity for us to show our true potential in the league,” he said.

“Floriana have strengthened the team considerably this summer but my players always thrive in tough challenges and I have no doubt that we can show our true prowess in this match and move on from here.”

Spiteri has no selection problems and is likely to give a full start to striker Matteo Piciollo who will be facing his old employers for the first time since moving to Balzan on loan last month.

Piciollo’s threat is not underestimated by Floriana president Riccardo Gaucci. He reckons that the Italian player has added motivation to showcase his talent against his former club.

“We are aware of how dangerous their striker Matteo Piciollo is, he was one of our best players for the past couple of years,” Gaucci admitted.

“I’m sure he will be fired up to try and make life difficult for us but we’re banking on our players to counter the danger. We know there was good preparation for this match.”

Gaucci said Floriana are still a works in progress but the side is showing improvements with every match played.

“Our team is still settling down but the indications are looking good,” the Italian said.

“Floriana’s second-half performance against St Andrew’s in our last match was also very encouraging as we won the match handsomely after coming from a goal down.

“However, we still have a lot of work to do. In fact, for us this fixture against Balzan represents a good barometer to see how far this team can go. It’s is going to be a very difficult match against a team that was strengthened in all areas of the pitch in the transfer window.

“However, I’m sure our players will give everything they have to maintain the side’s positive start to the season.”

Floriana coach Giovanni Tedesco is sweating on the fitness of Antonio Monticelli, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Greens duo Enrico Pepe and Mario Fontanella have both picked up knocks in training earlier this week but should recover in time for today’s match.