Champions Valletta must arrest their poor record against Floriana this season to keep alive their hopes of retaining the league crown for another year.
The 1-0 victory over Balzan last month catapulted Valletta back in the reckoning as they are now within striking distance of leaders Hibernians and second-placed Balzan.
However, the Citizens still have a lot of work to do to recover lost ground as they face another must-win scenario tomorrow when playing a Floriana side that again proved to be their bogey team this season.
In fact, the Greens are unbeaten in this season’s derbies after winning the first clash 2-0 before holding out for a goalless draw in the second-round fixture.
As was the case against Balzan a fortnight ago, Valletta have only one result possible to stay in the hunt for the league title. Defender Steve Borg reckons that victory over the Greens carries more significance than just claiming bragging rights in the derby.
Borg said: “The victory over Balzan has increased our self-belief that we can do it again this season. Against Floriana we know that we have to take the three points to stay in contention but we need to go beyond that.
“If we win the derby but drop points in our next matches that wouldn’t be a step forward for us. Every game has its story. We need to take it step-by-step and, before each and every fixture remind ourselves that we can’t afford to slip up.”
With another direct clash against Hibs coming up on Wednesday, Valletta coach Paul Zammit will wait until the last minute to see whether defender Ryan Camilleri, who sustained a shoulder injury in Malta’s 3-1 defeat to Slovakia, and midfielder Rowen Muscat, who is hampered by an adductor strain, will be available for selection tomorrow.
Floriana will be without wing-back Jurgen Pisani, currently nursing a knee injury, and defender Andre Scicluna is suspended.
Club skipper Nicolas Chiesa said he is really looking forward to be involved in such an important afternoon for Maltese football – the Super Sunday.
“Matches between Valletta and Floriana are special occasions for the fans and I feel privileged to play a part and experience the atmosphere and rivalry between the two clubs,” the Argentine said.
“We have prepared well for this match and we are ready to put up a big performance. I hope the stadium will be full as their backing will drive the players to reach higher levels. It would be nice for Maltese football that a lot of families will bring their children to the stadium for the matches as it would be a good way of helping the game to grow.”
Results so far: Floriana vs Valletta 2-0, 0-0.
Other matches
Playing today
Hibs Stadium
Gżira United vs Pembroke - 16.00
Suspended: Z. Scerri (Gżira).
Results so far: Pembroke vs Gżira United 0-3; 0-0.
Hibs Stadium
St Andrews vs Sliema - 18.00
Suspended: F. Temile (Sliema).
Results so far: Sliema vs St Andrews 0-3; 1-1.
National Stadium
Tarxien vs Ħamrun Spartans - 16.00
Results so far: Ħamrun Spartans vs Tarxien Rainbows 1-2, 2-3.
National Stadium
Birkirkara vs Mosta - 18.00
Suspended: Pedrinho (Mosta).
Results so far: Mosta vs Birkirkara 0-2; 0-2.