The combustible rivalry between Valletta and Floriana will take centre-stage again this evening as these two neighbouring foes go head to head in the fourth and final U*Bet FA Trophy quarter-final at the National Stadium (kick-off 7 p.m.).
Regarded as the outstanding fixture of the quarter-final programme, Valletta and Floriana will be relishing the prospect of landing the decisive knock-out punch and book their place in the semi-finals of the Trophy.
On paper, Valletta are seen as favourites to advance as they have a bigger and better squad than their rivals but resources and past form are no guarantee for success in cup matches as Floriana will be striving to demonstrate this evening.
A 1-1 draw in a hard-fought match against league leaders Hibs on Sunday provided a timely psychological fillip for Floriana ahead of their showdown with Valletta. For their part, the Citizens displayed their trademark resilience as they made light of Stefan Giglio's first-half red card to defeat Msida St Joseph 2-0 and maintain their unbeaten run in the league.
With their quest to retain the league crown firmly on track, Valletta also have high hopes of adding to their 11 FA Trophy titles and banish the memories of their painful 4-2 defeat to Birkirkara in the semi-finals of last season's competition.
The champions had hoped for a kinder draw but if anything, a clash with their fiercest rivals should ensure that they approach their quarter-final tie with maximum concentration and commitment.
Gilbert Agius, the Valletta captain, is not in agreement with the suggestion that their task is more difficult because they are facing Floriana but concedes that the pressure is higher.
"I wouldn't say that our quarter-final match is tougher because we're playing Floriana but the draw has certainly increased the level of expectation among the fans," Agius told The Times.
"It's going to be a difficult game. We beat Floriana 2-1 in the league but they battled really hard that day. Floriana have been something of a positive revelation this season and have picked several points from direct clashes."
Although wary of Floriana's combative qualities, Agius is confident that Valletta are well-equipped to challenge for every domestic honour this season.
"It's no secret that with the squad we've got, we can challenge for every honour in local football," the veteran midfielder-cum-forward said.
"In KO matches, it's the performance on the day that counts. Valletta haven't been in a Trophy final for seven years but this season, we are determined to leave our mark on this competition."
Valletta have no injury worries for today's clash but Agius yesterday bemoaned the departure of midfielders David Camilleri and Jonathan Bondin who have joined Premier League strugglers Tarxien Rainbows and Hamrun Spartans on loan until the end of the season.
"Our morale is high and the atmosphere in the dressing room is very good," Agius said.
"However, we are a bit disappointed that two popular players, David Camilleri and Jonathan Bondin, no longer form part of our squad, at least for the remainder of this season. Personally, I felt that the team needed all the players to stay at the club but transfers are part and parcel of football."
Orosco Anonam, a key figure in Floriana's march to Championship Pool football this season, is bracing himself for a balanced and intense encounter.
"Derbies between Floriana and Valletta are among the highlights of Maltese football and this match should be no different," Anonam said. "Interest in this quarter-final is high because of the great rivalry between the people of Valletta and Floriana.
"It's a KO game and anything can happen. I really believe that this game will be very entertaining to watch."
Whereas Valletta have been flexing their financial muscle in recent years to assemble a fearsome squad, Floriana have turned to their youth ranks to promote their best upcoming talents and blend them with a few experienced players willing to revive their careers.
Anonam is one of the 'familiar' players who joined Floriana in search of more first-team football and the move is clearly paying off for both sides.
"We have a lot of young players in our squad," Anonam said. "Valletta have more strength-in-depth and experience. Given our limitations, we can only succeed if we fight hard in every game and until the very last minute.
"That's what we will try to do against Valletta and I believe that we can hold our own."
Floriana coach Antonio Carlos Vieira must make at least one change from the team that started the match against Hibs as Joseph Borg is out with a foot injury. Captain Mauro Brincat is still recovering from a cartilage operation.
Floriana, 18-time winners of the FA Trophy, beat Division One sides Dingli Swallows (3-0) and St Patrick (1-0) in the opening two rounds.