Hibernians coach Branko Nisevic earmarked team spirit and unity as the two key attributes that have restored Tarxien Rainbows’ reputation as one of the most res-pected teams in the BOV Premier League ahead of today’s derby clash.

While the champions, buoyed by four consecutive wins and setting the pace with 31 points, look to have an edge over their neighbours, Nisevic is not underestimating Tarxien, themselves on a high after a 3-0 win over Balzan.

“This game has two meanings,” Nisevic told Times of Malta.

“It is one of the league matches against a team in the upper half of the table. This is the way we, the coaches and players, are looking at it, but there is another aspect... this is a derby and it means a lot for the fans.

“For us, the three points are the most important thing but it will not be easy. Tarxien are coming from a good run of games and last weekend they beat Balzan.

“We expect a stiff challenge. Tarxien are very organised and compact with good team spirit.”

Not that Hibs lack any of these qualities, judging by their strong run of late.

“We can be satisfied with our form since the start of the second round,” Nisevic remarked.

“The fact that we’re scoring a lot of goals has given us more confidence. I believe this is the result of the positive approach shown by every player.

“This was evident in the game against Naxxar Lions as, coming from two big games (against Balzan and Floriana), there was a risk that the players might find it hard to motivate themselves but they res-ponded brilliantly.”

This week, Hibs received another boost as Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ returned to Malta after the end of his positive loan stint with South Korean club Seoul E-Land who have yet to inform the Paolites whether they intend to take up the option to sign the Brazilian striker permanently.

“Tarabai has a contract with Hibernians,” Nisevic said.

“The South Korean club had an option to sign him on a permanent basis but as far as I know, they have made no offer yet.

“In the current circumstances, Tarabai will be back in our squad soon but he won’t be available before January.”

Brazilian defender Rodolfo Soares is still recovering from a hamstring injury but otherwise Nisevic has no selection issues.

Not the same can be said of his Tarxien Rainbows counterpart, Jacques Scerri, as Spanish midfielder Carlos Menendez is suspended and Brazilian defender Bruno still injured.

Defender Matthew Tabone and Brazilian winger Joao Pedro are doubtful but Nigerian centre-half Ebiabowei Baker and Brandon Muscat return from suspension.

Coach Scerri needs no reminding that his team are in for a rough ride but he is backing his players to de-liver another brave performance.

“It’s a very difficult game because we are facing the league cham-pions,” Scerri said.

“They are in top form as their 7-0 win over Naxxar demonstrates.

“This is a special game for the club and the fans and I’m convinced that our players will give their hearts out. It’s a derby and the motivation will be sky-high.”

It’s often claimed that derby duels bring added pressure but Scerri insisted that Tarxien have enjoyed a serene build-up.

“We are very tranquil, the morale is high and the atmosphere has been excellent since the start of the season,” Scerri said.

“If anything, the pressure is on Hibernians because we are the underdogs here.”

Scerri, who has exceeded expectations since taking charge of Tarxien last summer, is encouraging his team to rely on the qualities that have defined their bright start to the championship.

“We go into every game trying to gain the maximum,” Scerri said.

“Our principles are evident. I put a lot of emphasis on tactical discipline and work ethic, especially in terms of off-the-ball movement.

“It’s important that we are very organised in the defensive phase but we also try to attack… we have nothing to fear.”

First round result: Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows 1-0.

Programme

Playing today
Hibs Stadium: 2pm Floriana vs Naxxar; 4pm Hibernians vs Tarxien.
Tedesco Stadium: 2pm St Andrew’s vs Qormi; 4.15pm Sliema vs Mosta.

Tomorrow
National Stadium: 2pm Birkirkara vs Pembroke; 4pm Balzan vs Valletta.