Valletta and Balzan appear to possess too much ammunition for San Ġwann and Żebbuġ Rangers but the heavyweight duo are unlikely to take their unfancied opponents for granted as they bid to set up a mouthwatering fourth-round clash.

This season’s FA Trophy has already produced its fair share of upsets, what with big guns Birkirkara and Hibs falling at the first hurdle. Their early elimination is an eye-opener for the likes of Valletta, Balzan and Floriana.

With Valletta in the midst of a five-game sequence that could define their season, coach Paul Zammit wants his team to step up their performance as they look to keep their league and cup dreams alive.

“The most important thing for me is that our performances keep growing,” Zammit said.

“Even though we didn’t pick maximum points from our game against Balzan on Sunday, our showing was in keeping with the identity we are trying to create for our team.

“We have a Trophy game next. It’s a knock-out and, in spite of the fact that we are playing against a club from a lower division, what happens on the day will determine the outcome.”

A good result for Valletta tomorrow is imperative not only to advance in the FA Trophy but also to enhance their morale ahead of their eagerly-awaited clash with rivals Floriana on Saturday.

“All the games during this important period for our team are part of the big picture,” Zammit replied when asked if he already had one eye on the derby.

“Although we need to focus on the next match, the fact that we have so many important fixtures in just a few days increases the importance of managing the team well.

“It’s not easy but I firmly believe that the group of players we have at Valletta is strong enough collectively to handle this kind of situation.”

Zammit has concerns over Federico Falcone after the Argentine striker picked up an ankle injury in the 2-2 draw against Balzan.

Portuguese midfielder Valdo Alhinho remains doubtful.

San Ġwann, second in Division Two, beat Marsaxlokk 4-0 in the second round.

Like Valletta, Floriana face Division Two opposition in the shape of mid-table Birżebbuġa St Peter’s but coach Giovanni Tedesco has no intention of fielding a second-string side this afternoon.

“I’m going to send out my best formation,” Tedesco told Times of Malta.

“I’m certainly not approaching this game lightly and I don’t want my players to think that this will be an easy outing.

“We must honour this competition and there are many factors to stimulate us... a new Trophy and two big teams already eliminated.

“We will only start thinking about the derby after 4pm tomorrow (today). Our objective is to progress to the next round of the FA Trophy.”

Last weekend, Floriana surrendered a one-goal lead and missed a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Tarxien Rainbows but they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

For this afternoon’s match, Tedesco is expected to be without Italian duo Enrico Pepe and Antonio Monticelli.

Birżebbuġa St Peter’s moved into the third round of the FA Trophy after beating Mellieħa on penalties.

Balzan, last season’s beaten FA Trophy finalists, launch their quest for KO success with a game against Division One side Żebbuġ Rangers.

Oliver Spiteri, the Balzan coach, is still hampered by the absence of right-back Justin Grioli, injured.

Tarxien Rainbows, Gżira United and Pembroke Athleta also start their participation in this season’s FA Trophy with matches against Division One opponents.

The Rainbows meet strugglers Għargħur, who beat Munxar Falcons 8-0 in the previous round, and Gżira, buoyed by their 3-0 league win over Mosta, tomorrow take on Vittoriosa Stars, 5-1 winners over Attard in the second round.

Pembroke Athleta, who gained a timely boost following their 1-1 draw against Hibs, play against Sirens who qualified for the third round after edging Rabat Ajax 2-1.

Fixtures

Playing today
Centenary Stadium: 2pm Floriana vs Birżebbuġa; 4.15pm Għargħur vs Tarxien Rainbows.
Luxol Stadium: 2pm Swieqi United vs Qrendi; 4.15pm Siġġiewi vs Mqabba.

Tomorrow
Centenary Stadium: 6pm Sirens vs Pembroke Athleta; 8.15pm Vittoriosa Stars vs Gżira United.
Tedesco Stadium: 6pm Valletta vs San Ġwann; 8.15pm Balzan vs Żebbuġ Rangers.
Sannat Ground: 6pm Victoria Hotspurs vs Għajnsielem.

Fourth round pairings
Sliema vs Swieqi/Qrendi    
Lija Athletic vs Għargħur/Tarxien    
Vittoriosa/Gżira vs Senglea    
Floriana/Birżebbuġa SP vs Victoria Hotspurs/Għajnsielem    
Marsa vs Sirens/Pembroke    
Nadur Youngsters/Ħamrun Spartans vs Siġġiewi/Mqabba    
Balzan/Żebbuġ Rangers vs Valletta/San Ġwann    
SK Victoria W. vs St Andrews

Matches on January 17-18

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