Hibernians coach Mark Miller has warned his players that they cannot afford more defensive lapses if they are to stay in contention for the league title as the Paolites brace themselves for another tricky clash this afternoon when they face Sliema Wanderers at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4pm).
Last week, Hibernians were twice pegged back by Ħamrun Spartans before they were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw, a result that saw Miller’s team concede top spot to Balzan who now lead by a single point, heading into this weekend’s matches.
Miller is hoping his team will rediscover their usual solidity at the back following a below-par performance against a spirited Spartans side.
“I expect a strong response from my players as our performance levels against Ħamrun Spartans were unacceptable,” Miller told Times of Malta.
“We scored three goals and could have added at least another two but all the good work was ruined with poor defending – something very unusual for us this season.
“Now we have another difficult test coming up against Sliema Wanderers so I want my players to rediscover the same kind of hunger and determination that won us so many matches this season. At this stage, we simply cannot afford to drop more points.”
Miller’s defensive plans are boosted by the return of centre-half Andrei Agius who missed the Ħamrun match to serve suspension. Forward Jurgen Degabriele was down with flu in midweek but should recover in time for the match.
Hibs are currently five points ahead of fourth-placed Floriana and out of the FA Trophy. The Paolites may be among the leading challengers for the title but Miller made it clear that the club’s main goal was European football.
“Our priority from day one of the season was to qualify for Europe,” Miller said.
“Surely, we’re not giving up on the league but the most important matter for us is to make sure that we take part in the UEFA club competitions in summer.
“There are still 30 points up for grabs and anything can happen. We know that competition is harsh but we are relishing this challenge and hopefully we can sustain our run till the final day.”
Today’s match holds special significance for Wanderers defender Jonathan Pearson.
The 30-year-old left Hibernians to join the Blues during the January transfer window, bringing to an end a 19-year association with the Paola club.
“It will be strange for me to line up against Hibernians,” Pearson told Times of Malta.
“Hibernians were my only club since I started kicking a ball in youth football. Before kick-off I will go through a roller coaster of emotions but my focus will shift to help Sliema win once the match gets underway.
“The reason I left Hibernians this winter was because I wanted more playing time. When Sliema came up and offered me a three-and-a-half year deal I felt that it was the right time to move and I’m happy here.”
Sliema, on 31 points, are out of the race for a top-three finish.
However, Pearson reckons that facing the likes of Hibernians will serve the Blues in good stead ahead of their FA Trophy semi-final.
“Hibs are fighting to win the league and will be desperate for the three points,” Pearson said.
“We may be out of the running for a top-three finish but we are still in the FA Trophy. A positive result against Hibs will increase our confidence levels to end the season on a good note.”
Sliema coach John Buttigieg has almost a full squad available with the exception of striker Denni who must serve a one-match ban.
Previous results: Sliema vs Hibs 0-1, 1-3.
The other matches this weekend…
Today (Hibs Stadium)
St Andrews vs Floriana 14.00
■ St Andrews are in search of their first win in eight matches.
Their last success dates back to December 10 when they beat Ħamrun Spartans.
Floriana won their last three Premier League matches, against Mosta, Pembroke Athleta and Birkirkara.
St Andrews failed to score six times in the Premier League this season.
Floriana have earned seven clean sheets this term.
Suspended player: Enmy Pena Beltre (St Andrews).
Results so far: St Andrews vs Floriana 1-3, 1-4.
TODAY (Hibs Stadium)
Tarxien vs Birkirkara 16.00
■ Tarxien gained 11 points from seven matches in 2017.
Birkirkara’s current top scorer is Vito Plut with nine goals.
In the last two outings, the Rainbows lost with the identical score of 1-0 against Hibernians and Gżira.
The Stripes won only three matches from eight played since January.
Suspended player: Alex Alves (T).
Results so far: Birkirkara vs Tarxien 4-0, 3-1.
Today (National Stadium)
Ħamrun vs Gżira 14.00
■ Ħamrun have only two wins to show since the start of the New Year.
Gżira won their last two fixtures against St Andrews and Tarxien.
The Spartans conceded 13 goals in their last seven matches.
Gżira registered five clean sheets during this season.
Results so far: Gżira United vs Ħamrun Spartans 1-1, 0-2.
TOMORROW (National Stadium)
Pembroke vs Balzan 14.00
■ Pembroke hold the worst defensive record with 51 goals conceded.
Balzan hold the best offensive record with 47 goals.
Pembroke had a 5-0 victory over Mosta overturned by the MFA Protest Board last week.
Balzan’s Bojan Kaljevic is the league’s top scorer with 18 goals.
Results so far: Balzan vs Pembroke 2-1, 4-0.
TOMORROW (National Stadium)
Mosta vs Valletta 16.00
■ Mosta have the worst offensive record in the top flight with 17 goals netted.
Valletta scored the least goals among the teams occupying the European spots.
The Blues conceded their heaviest defeat this season after losing to Balzan 7-1 last week.
Valletta scored three goals in a match for the first time since December when beating Sliema 3-1.
Suspended player: Steve Borg (V).
Results so far: Valletta vs Mosta 1-0, 0-0.