A 3-1 defeat to Rabat Ajax has left Ħamrun Spartans facing a must-win scenario when they take on neighbouring rivals Qormi this evening at the Hibs Stadium.
With their top-flight status in jeopardy after slipping to second from bottom with only three matches remaining, the Spartans need no reminding that another defeat in the derby could deal a potentially fatal blow to their survival chances, moreso if fellow relegation candidates Rabat take something from their clash with Floriana in today’s curtain-raiser.
The fight for Premier League salvation is expected to go to the wire as only one point separates Rabat and Ħamrun with bottom-of-the-class Melita seemingly fighting a lost cause as they are six points adrift of safety.
Although Ħamrun still have a realistic chance of staving off the drop, they can’t afford to repeat their lethargic performance against Rabat when they meet Qormi.
Coach Stefan Sultana hopes that his players respond to the Rabat setback with a solid display.
“Our situation is not good but just as Rabat didn’t give up when they were two points behind us, we must do the same now that we’ve fallen one point behind them,” Sultana said.
“It no longer depends on us because if Rabat win their remaining games they will be safe but the issue is still wide open.”
The Spartans coach reckons his team must lift their game signi-ficantly if they are to upset Qormi who are already home and dry.
“Qormi are going through a good spell whereas our morale is low as we’re coming from a defeat,” Sultana said.
“Our performance against Rabat was in stark contrast with our good showing in the 3-2 win over Balzan just four days earlier. But I guess football is like that, it’s full of ups and downs, even though in our case, we have had more lows this season.”
Defender Adrian Borg will miss today’s derby after getting a one-match ban while midfielder Daniel Zerafa is out after suffering an ankle injury during training with the Malta U-21 squad.
Roderick Fenech, the Ħamrun captain, is doubtful after picking up an injury in the first half of the Rabat defeat.
Qormi, who are in the happy position of having nothing to play for, have no selection problems.
In today’s opening game, Rabat have a difficult clash with the in-form Floriana who are top of the Relegation Pool after winning their last five matches.
The Greens will be without midfielder Joseph Borg, injured.
Rabat defender Clive Brincat is not expected to play again this season as he must have cartilage surgery. Goalkeeper Sean Mintoff returns from suspension.
Previous results: Ħamrun vs Qormi 1-0, 0-4, 0-2; Floriana vs Rabat 3-0, 1-1, 2-1.
Fixtures
Today (Hibs Stadium 6pm): Rabat Ajax vs Floriana; 8pm Qormi vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Tomorrow (National Stadium): 3pm Mosta vs Birkirkara; 5pm Sliema vs Hibs.
Sunday (National Stadium): 3pm Melita vs Balzan; 5pm Valletta vs Tarxien.
Division One
Today (Centenary Stadium 6pm): Lija Athletic vs Pietà Hotspurs; 8pm Dingli Swallows vs Żejtun.