Balzan’s Alfred Effiong (right) pulls clear of Pembroke’s Gustavo Villalobos. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Balzan head into the third and final round of this season’s BOV Premier League in buoyant mood after winning their last six games but coach Oliver Spiteri is urging caution ahead of their tricky clash with Pembroke Athleta this afternoon.

Ten points separate the third-placed Balzan and Pembroke, in eighth, but the latter have earned the respect of the big boys with a series of smart performances in their maiden top-flight campaign.

“It’s a difficult game,” Spiteri told Times of Malta.

“The last time we met Pembroke Athleta, in December, we drew 0-0 and that game gave us a lot of food for thought but the team produced the right response.

“Pembroke are a dangerous team with valid players who can make the difference in a game.

“Let’s not forget that, this season, Pembroke have beaten Valletta and also knocked Hibs out of the FA Trophy.

“They also have an experienced coach in Winston Muscat who knows how to adapt his team’s approach according to the qualities of the opposition.”

While Spiteri has been careful not to talk up his team’s title chances, he warned that Balzan can’t afford to squander points today if they are to stay clear of the likes of Birkirkara and Floriana.

“We can’t slip up because, now that points have been halved, the advantage on the teams behind us has diminished,” Spiteri said.

“We always go out to take the three points and, although we know it won’t be an easy ride, if we maintain our current performance level, I believe we will emerge on top.”

Since their goalless draw against Pembroke, Balzan have embarked on a six-match winning run, scoring 18 goals and conceding only two.

Spiteri’s inclination towards an ultra-attacking 4-2-4 approach has inevitably been met with a few raised eyebrows but Balzan’s results have vindicated his choices so far.

“We are playing in a 4-2-4 system and the results have been excellent,” the Balzan coach observed.

“Our strikers are making sacrifices as they drop back to defend and plug the gaps. This approach has paid off as, besides scoring many goals, we have kept a clean sheet in the last four games.”

The return of powerful striker Bojan Kaljevic is a further boost for Balzan. Sidelined for 10 months as he battled a serious ankle injury, the Montenegrin marked his return by scoring Balzan’s second-half winner in the 1-0 victory over Floriana.

“Bojan Kaljevic is an important player for us,” Spiteri said.

“The goal he scored against Floriana couldn’t have come at a better time as I know how hard Bojan has worked and the hardships he has been through, especially after he had his operation in August.”

For today’s game, Balzan will be without Colombian defender Elkin Serrano, suspended, and midfielder Ryan Fenech who is injured.

Pembroke coach Winston Muscat also has two key elements missing as American midfielder Kyle O’Brien is suspended and Zimbabwean defender Patmore Shereni is injured. Winger Leighton Grech is in line for a squad recall after making good progress in his recovery from a groin injury.

Muscat has a lot of respect for Balzan but said that Pembroke are aiming to fight for the points.

“Balzan are one of the teams that can challenge for the title, given the quality of their players and their technical staff, led by Oliver Spiteri,” the Pembroke coach said.

“They are on a roll after beating Birkirkara and Floriana who were also fighting with the top teams.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us but we are not downhearted.

“In our first-round game against Balzan, our performance in the first half was brilliant, and our last meeting ended goalless.

“We’re going out to battle for the points.”

Although Pembroke are six points clear of the relegation zone, Muscat warned that they still have work to do to secure their status.

“We are only six points ahead of the third-from-bottom side (Naxxar Lions),” Muscat said.

“There are still 33 points at stake.

“We are in an ideal position but we have to keep in mind that we haven’t accomplished our mission.

“Our aim is to secure survival as early as possible as that would also help us to prepare better for our FA Trophy quarter-final (against Pietà Hotspurs).”

While stressing that the motivation of the players is still very high, Muscat heaped praise on “the team behind the team” for their sterling contribution to Pembroke’s positive campaign so far.

“The players get most of the credit, rightly so, but we also have a group of people who work really hard behind the scenes, namely club president Alfred Calleja, the team manager, kit man, physio and the members of the technical staff,” Muscat said.

Previous results: Balzan vs Pembroke Athleta 5-1, 0-0.