As Hibs march on unimpeded at the top of the standings, attention starts to shift elsewhere in the BOV Premier League.
The relegation battle is becoming tighter by the day but an enticing duel has also developed in recent weeks as Floriana and Balzan found themselves engaged in a race for fourth spot.
At present, there is little to separate them. In fact, the two teams are locked on the 21-point mark but that could change this afternoon (Hibs Stadium, 2pm) as Balzan and Floriana go head-to-head with the winner taking a decisive edge in this race that could yield an Europa League slot.
Balzan are unbeaten in their two league encounters against Floriana this season after a 1-1 draw and a thrilling 3-2 victory in the ‘return’ match.
Still, many reckon Floriana are showing the better form at the moment as Giovanni Tedesco’s men are unbeaten in their last five matches, also having started the third and final round of the championship in full throttle following successive victories over Pietà Hotspurs (2-0) and Tarxien Rainbows (2-1).
Clyde Borg, an influential figure in Floriana’s midfield, said the Greens are not looking too far ahead. He said they are only after the next three points that would propel the team into a stronger position.
“We are preparing for this match against Balzan like any normal game but our main goal remains the three points,” Borg said.
“That has been our approach in recent weeks... to consider every game as if it was a cup final and then look forward to the next fixture. Obviously, it’s too early to set any goals as most of the teams are too close to each other and one defeat could see us slip down the standings. So it’s key for us to treat all matches with the same level of importance.”
“At the start of the season few would had given us a chance to be in this position to push for a place in Europe,” Borg added.
“But the coach did a superb job in bonding us into a solid formation. We can now play open football and our results in recent weeks have surely justified our determination and serious work. We have reached an acceptable level of consistency.
“Breaking into the top four did not rank among our main objectives at the start of the season but our aim now is to try and do the most of the opportunities that come around and give it our best shot, starting against Balzan.”
Sacha Borg returns for the Greens after missing the 2-1 victory over Tarxien due to suspension.
Balzan stuttered badly this winter but last weekend’s come-from-behind victory over Naxxar Lions could trigger a change of fortunes for Oliver Spiteri’s men as they continue to seek the excellent form that had distinguished them from the other pretenders in the first phase of the championship.
Skipper Steve Bezzina said Balzan have no plans to let their foot off the pedal following their victory over Naxxar and is urging his team-mates to embark on another strong run to make fourth place theirs.
“The outcome of this match could have a bearing on who finishes fourth,” Bezzina said.
“Victory will put us back in the driving seat and although there are other matches to play, three points would give us a much-needed psychological edge.
“True, in recent weeks we had a dip in form and we weren’t showing our best football. But our last match was encouraging so we have to show that Balzan deserve a high placing with another convincing performance.”
Balzan have never represented the country before in Europe and that makes the Reds’ quest for fourth place even more challenging.
“Fourth place would be Balzan’s best ever position in the Premier League and that could also mean European football next season,” Bezzina said.
“That’s a great incentive for us players and we all want to be the ones to create history for this respected club.”
Spiteri’s options have been added with the return of midfielder Luke Sciberras and Lydon Micallef who both missed the previous match due to injury. Striker Gianmarco Piccioni, however, is doubtful with a foot problem.
Previous results: Balzan vs Floriana 1-1, 3-2.