Another chapter in the history of the growing rivalry between Valletta and Hibernians will be written this evening when they go head-to-head in the Super Cup at the National Stadium (kick-off 8 p.m.).
Although Valletta and Hibs have already faced each other in the pre-season Euro Cup, the clash between last season’s league champions and FA Trophy winners is seen by many as the first real test of the new campaign for both teams.
Last season, Valletta eased past Floriana 3-0 to retain the Super Cup for another season.
But the Paolites delivered a clear warning of their potential this season as they edged past the champions 1-0 in the Euro Cup, courtesy of a Jean Paul Farrugia goal.
But since then the two teams have undergone some notable changes in per-sonnel.
Valletta released Brazilians Jhonnattan and Jussellio while Dutch goalkeeper Andre Krul’s short-term contract expired following the team’s Champions League exit.
Brazilian midfielder Joao Gabriel and striker Leandro Da Silva were added to Mark Miller’s squad and new signing Manwel Bartolo is expected to guard goal tonight.
Denni, however, is out with knee trouble and Jonathan Caruana will also skip the match as he’s still not 100 per cent fit.
Valletta tried to make as much progress as possible in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League this summer.
After brushing aside Andorra’s Lusitans 9-0 on aggregate, the Citizens found a much tougher hurdle in Partizan Belgrade and bowed out 7-2 on aggregate.
With their European adventure over, the Citizens will again dedicate all their energy on their domestic scene and coach Mark Miller is determined to steer the team to their first honour under his charge.
“It’s still pre-season but Hibs are showing great form,” Miller noted.
“This will be an excellent test for us though as it will give us a good indication of our competitive levels before the championship gets underway.
“Winning trophies is what is all about at Valletta so we’re looking not to miss this one.”
In the last few weeks, Hibs saw Brazilian striker Luis Edison moving to Hungarian side Kecskemeti TE. His void was filled by Nigerian John Nwoba, who was on the books of Mqabba last season.
Triston Caruana is out with a knee injury while Farrugia is rated as doubtful.
Hibs coach Michael Woods has been encouraged with the levels reached by his players in pre-season. The Paolites put up a spirited display in their Europa League tie against Bosnia’s FK Sarajevo, which the latter won 9-6 on aggregate, and Woods is hopeful his players can carry their positive form into today’s match.
“We had a very bright start to the new season,” Woods said.
“After winning the Euro Cup, the team continued to grow in stature and that was mirrored in the two matches against FK Sarajevo. The team has shown tremendous spirit.
“No doubt, Valletta are a very strong side but we hold no fear of our opponents. I’m confident that if we show character and determination we can beat them a second time at this pre-season stage.”