A mix of Premier League heavyweights, Division One high-fliers and three survivors from the third tier of Maltese football will be vying to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy, sponsored by Attian Group, when the eight fourth round games are played between today and tomorrow.
For Valletta, the FA Trophy represents their best hope of silverware this season as they trail leaders Hibernians by 15 points in the championship.
After launching their cup defence with a 7-1 mauling of Division One strugglers Birżebbuġa St Peter’s in the third round, Valletta take on Melita this evening at the Tedesco Stadium.
It goes without saying that the Citizens start as surefire favourites to book a place in the last eight but they are unlikely to dismiss the potential threat posed by Melita who have already claimed a Premier League scalp after knocking out Naxxar Lions in the previous round.
Valletta coach Ivan Zammit warned his team against complacency.
“This game will be more difficult than the third-round tie,” Zammit told Times of Malta.
“Melita are a valid team who rely a lot on young players.
“They eliminated Naxxar Lions in the previous round and we shouldn’t forget that, when Melita were in the Premier League a few seasons ago, they also upset Valletta.
“We need to approach this game in the right frame of mind... that is the key.
“I’m slightly concerned about my team as I’ve noticed that our rhythm has dropped in the last two games.
“I was angry at half-time on Saturday. We played better in the second half against Żebbuġ but we need to be more clinical.
“It could be a confidence issue. Maybe the players are feeling that they are playing so well that they can always score but if we concede a goal, we will have problems.
“We need to put in a shift in every game and if we do that, it becomes very difficult for the other teams to get a result against us.
“The same applies for this FA Trophy match. If we maintain a good rhythm for 90 minutes, we will be fine.”
While there is no doubt that the FA Trophy has become Valletta’s top objective this season, Zammit stressed that he preferred to take one game at a time.
“I’d rather not put any pressure on my players because they need to be tranquil to show their best football,” Zammit said.
“I prefer a game-by-game approach.
“Our objectives are clear... we try to win every trophy.”
Valletta midfielder Shaun Bajada is expected to be named in the squad after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Melita, fourth in Division One, have been cast in the role of underdogs but coach Neil Zarb Cousin said his team have nothing to lose.
“Being in the last 16 of the FA Trophy is already a prestigious feat for us,” Zarb Cousin said.
“We have done well to come this far, moreso when considering that we eliminated a Premier League side, Naxxar Lions, in the previous round.
“We will surely be doing our best in our game against Valletta.
“All the pressure is on them. Valletta’s chances of winning the league are remote as they are 15 points behind Hibernians but that will probably increase their determination to go all the way in the FA Trophy.
“A match against the Maltese champions is something to look forward to and the players are very motivated.”
Gżira United, who trounced Swieqi United 6-0 in the third round, meet Premier League side Mosta in today’s opening match.
The Blues, who drew 1-1 with Tarxien Rainbows in the league last weekend, have signed former Nigeria forward Haruna Babangida. The 32-year-old, who turned out for Barcelona and Ajax in the past, is unlikely to play today as Mosta have yet to complete his registration paperwork.
In the previous round, Mosta beat Senglea Athletics 6-1.
Gudja United, the Division One leaders, harbour high hopes of making further progress in the FA Trophy as they meet Sirens, of Division Two.
Adrian Carabott struck a hat-trick as Gudja knocked out Premier League strugglers Tarxien in the third round.
Sirens also pulled off an upset after beating Lija Athletic, of Division One.
Birkirkara, 7-1 winners over Ħamrun Spartans in the previous round, should prove too strong for Division Two side Siġġiewi who reached the last 16 after a remarkable 5-2 win over Żurrieq.
The Stripes were yesterday hoping to strike a deal with Qormi for Argentine defender Maurizio Mazzetti.
Clash of Hotspurs
Two of the six games scheduled for tomorrow will be played on the sister island.
Victoria Hotspurs, who produced arguably the biggest shock of the third round after stunning Premier League team Żebbuġ Rangers (3-0), face Pietà Hotspurs in the opening match at the Gozo Stadium.
The Hotspurs needed an extra-time goal from Claudio Frances to overcome Pembroke in the previous round.
Premier League leaders Hibs also travel to Gozo tomorrow to face Nadur Youngsters.
Hibs reached the last 16 after a 2-0 win over St George’s while Nadur beat Għargħur 4-1.
The only all-Premier League clash of the fourth round takes place tomorrow evening as Floriana meet Qormi.
Woeful in the Premier League, Qormi will be chasing a much-needed boost in the Trophy while Floriana are also determined to be in Friday’s quarter-final draw.
Qormi, who yesterday finalised the signing of winger Leighton Grech from Birkirkara, defeated Qrendi 3-0 in the third round while Floriana edged out rivals Sliema 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw.
The other match sees Balzan take on Division Two team Żabbar St Patrick.
Balzan had the better of Kirkop in the previous round while the Saints toppled Division One Msida St Joseph 2-1.
Programme
Playing today
Tedesco Stadium: 18.00 Gżira United vs Mosta; 20.15 Melita vs Valletta.
Tomorrow
Centenary Stadium: 18.00 Gudja United vs Sirens; 20.15 Siġġiewi vs Birkirkara.
Gozo Stadium: 18.00 Victoria Hotspurs vs Pietà Hotspurs; 20.00 Nadur Youngsters vs Hibs.
Tedesco Stadium: 18.00 Balzan vs Żabbar St Patrick; 20.15 Floriana vs Qormi.