Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara will be looking to continue where they left off before the international break when the Premier League resumes this evening with the first two of a six-match programme, the highlight of which is tomorrow’s derby between Valletta and Floriana.
The Blues take on Balzan in today’s opener with Birkirkara facing Ħamrun in the second game at the Tedesco Stadium.
Sliema’s 4-0 thumping of Hibs caused critics to sit up and take notice amid suggestions that the Wanderers are improving rapidly under the guidance of Alfonso Greco but the Italian coach is urging caution.
“We must approach this match with the same desire and determination we showed against Hibs because it’s going to be a difficult game,” Greco said.
“It’s important that we don’t go into this match feeling too happy and over-confident.”
Greco is pleased with the progress of his squad since he took charge of Sliema last summer.
“We are slowly becoming a squad, we are improving the balance of the team,” Greco said.
Goalkeeper Henry Bonello is out after picking up an injury in the Hibs game while midfielder Mark Scerri is struggling to shake off an ankle problem.
Balzan will be keen to extend their own positive run after claiming back-to-back wins.
Yet, the Reds know that they must improve their tactical organisation to stand a chance of taking something from their meeting with the Blues.
Goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri will be out of action for a long period of time after suffering a cruciate injury. Defender Jonathan Francica is also recovering from knee surgery while forward Malcolm Licari must serve the last of a three-match ban.
In their last outing, Birkirkara earned glowing praise after putting on a solid display to hold Valletta to a 1-1 draw, in the process becoming the first team to take a point off the champions this season.
Paul Zammit had good reason to be satisfied with his team’s showing against the leaders but the Birkirkara coach will surely have urged his players to stay grounded as they prepare for a potentially tricky meeting with the Spartans.
The fact that the game is being played at the Tedesco Stadium will only add to Zammit’s concern as Birkirkara have rarely shown their best at this venue.
Midfielder Ryan Scicluna is still recovering from a foot problem while Brazilian striker Joselito misses out with an ankle injury.
Ħamrun are lurking in the bottom part of the standings after a shaky start. In their last outing, the Spartans were held to a 1-1 draw by newcomers Rabat Ajax.
Coach Stefan Sultana knows that his team must raise their standards if they are to match the in-form Birkirkara, second in the table on 16 points.
Sultana has a full complement at his disposal with midfielder Christian Cassar, signed from Floriana in the summer, set to be named in the squad for the first time this season.
Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium 18.00 Balzan vs Sliema Wanderers; 20.15 Birkirkara vs Ħamrun Spartans.
Tomorrow, (National Stadium 15.00 Mosta vs Rabat Ajax; 17.00 Floriana vs Valletta.
Sunday, (National Stadium 15.00 Qormi vs Melita; 17.00 Tarxien Rainbows vs Hibs.
U*Bet FA TROPHY (2nd round)
Today, (Centenary Stadium 18.00 Lija Athletic vs Siġġiewi; 20.00 Mqabba vs Kirkop.