Balzan’s title credentials will be put under severe test on Saturday when the Premier League leaders will be up against a resurgent Birkirkara at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4pm).

The Reds head into the match with their leading status in the balance as Monday’s goalless draw against Gżira United has left Marko Micovic’s men with just a one-point advantage over title rivals Valletta.

Failure to take maximum spoils against the in-form Stripes will open the door for Valletta to jump into pole position, provided they beat Hibernians on Sunday.

Balzan coach Marko Micovic admitted that Monday’s result against Gżira United had left a sour taste among the Balzan players.

He said that in this crucial phase of the season all matches are difficult but he is confident that his players will step up their game and get the much-needed win that would push them closer to the league title.

“A draw against a strong team like Gżira United cannot be described as a slip up as they are a very competitive team who are fighting for a place in Europe and they too couldn’t afford to lose the match,” Micovic said.

“Now we have another difficult match against a Birkirkara side who are on a fantastic run of results and surely they will provide us with a difficult challenge.

“With five matches to go it’s important that we focus on ourselves and make sure that we are well prepared for a match that could move us one step closer to an historic league title for the club. Therefore, we will do everything in our power to go out and take the three points.”

Micovic cannot field his strongest formation as Brazilian midfielder Bruno and midfielder Ryan Fenech are ruled out by knee injuries while prolific striker Bojan Kaljevic is out with a one-match ban. 

Asked whether he is feeling added pressure now that the championship race has entered a decisive stage, Micovic said: “At this stage of the season every match brings with it added pressure.

“For me I think to be under pressure is very positive in football as it pushes the players to a higher level of performance. In the first round, we had the same pressure against Birkirkara and the players succeeded in returning home with the three points.

“The message I’m trying to send to the players this week is to enjoy the moment and try to give their all and hopefully we will get the right result.”

Birkirkara, on their part, cannot drop any points if they are to remain in command in the race for third place that guarantee them a return to European football this summer. 

“This is another match in our marathon run to put Birkirkara in the position they deserve,” Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach said.

“At present we are in a good position in the standings and the main goal is to try and consolidate what we have attained so far and remain ahead of our direct rivals for a place in the Europa League qualifiers.

“The three teams behind us – Gzira United, Floriana and Hibernians – shall do everything they can to reach a top three position so we need to remian fully focused.

“We are aware that we have a tough task to overcome the league leaders but at the same time I have great faith in my team’s quality and I’m sure that on the day they will rise to the occasion.” 

Zammit can bank on his strongest formation with the exception of midfielder Matthew Guillaumier who is still sidelined by injury.

First round result: Balzan vs Birkirkara 2-1. 

Balzan forward Cadu (right) tries to find a way through the Birkirkara defence. Photo: Jonathan Borg