Hibernians and Ħamrun Spartans cannot afford to drop any points for different reasons when they go head-to-head in this evening’s BOV Premier League clash at the National Stadium.
With just seven matches left till the end of the season the Premier League is in its decisive phase with every point gained or dropped proving crucial on the fate of all teams in the Maltese top-flight.
Hibernians head into today’s match against Ħamrun Spartans in fine fettle after their storming performance in 5-0 defeat to neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows has kept them at the top of the standings, three points clear of current champions Valletta.
Not the same can be said of Ħamrun Spartans as the Reds are still licking their wounds from back-to-back defeats to Mosta (0-1) and Sliema Wanderers have significantly dented their hopes of European football as they have now slipped to fifth place, five points adrift of third-place Gżira United and one behind the Wanderers.
Stefan Sanderra, the Hibernians coach, is certainly not underestimating the threat posed by the Spartans who, he described as one of the strongest sides in the division.
“It’s going to be a high-level match against a Ħamrun Spartans side who for me are one of the best teams in the division,” he said.
“Ħamrun are a very physical side but they also boast some very technical players. Tactically they are always very organised so it will surely be a very difficult match for us.
“The loss to injury of Jurgen Degabriele was a big blow for us as he was a fundamental member of our game-plan but I’m pleased that the team is doing well in his absence and it’s important that we maintain the same level of intensity.”
Throughout this season, Hibernians have refused to get involved in any talk of fighting for the title even though the team has been occupying the top placing for much of the campaign.
Sanderra has refused to change this stance even though we have entered the final weeks of the campaign but admitted that a win against Ħamrun would see the team move closure to their primary objective of securing a place in the Europa League.
“We are not interested in getting involved in talk of a title challenge for the moment,” Sanderra said.
“Our main goal this season was to return to European football and it’s clear that looking at the table a win against Ħamrun Spartans would put us closer to a place in the UEFA Europa League.
“I think that the club administrators deserve praise for having the team in this position as during the January transfer window they have worked very well and have brought in some excellent additions such as Jake Grech, Leandro Barbosa, Marko Sahanek and Marko Jovicic.
“It’s important that the players keep up their concentration levels as we have two very important matches against Ħamrun and Sliema Wanderers (on Tuesday) which could give us a better idea of our fate this season.”
Blessing in disguise
The Spartans head into the match with a huge desire to make amends after a disappointing fortnight and coach Giovanni Tedesco said that a meeting against the Premier League leaders could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for his team.
“Personally, I think that a match against the league leaders could not have come at a better time for my team,” Tedesco said.
“Losing to Mosta and Sliema left a huge disappointment in my players and surely a match against Hibernians will make it easier for me to motivate my players to produce the right reaction and try to turn the tide around against the best team in the division.
“Obviously, we’re facing a team full of quality and in Stefano Sanderra they have a high-quality coach who has also managed in the Italian Serie B so that shows what a bright mentor he is.
“So now it’s up to the players to show whether they deserve to keep fighting for a top placing or not.”
Tedesco, who will be serving the fifth of a six-match ban, said that for him the last few weeks have been very frustrating at being unable to guide the team from the touchline but he says he expects a completely different approach against Hibs.
“ I expect a strong response from my players given our recent disappointments,” Tedesco said.
“For me the remaining matches are like seven Champions League finals from which we need to collect as many points as possible to ensure that can fulfil our dream of playing in the Europa League in the summer.
“Against Sliema, the team dominated possession but didn’t have that hunger and determination needed to kill off our opponents and for that we paid dearly.
“I expect my team go out and give every ounce of energy to try and win the match. There is no room for error now. So far the team has done very well but we must turn our fortunes or risk to throw away allthe good things that we have attained so far this season.”
First round result: Hibernians vs Ħamrun Spartans 2-1.
PROGRAMME
PLAYING TODAY
National Stadium: 7pm Ħamrun Spartans vs Hibernians.
Centenary Stadium: 6pm Tarxien Rainbows vs Birkirkara; 8.15pm Sliema Wanderers vs Mosta.
TOMORROW
Hibs Stadium: 2pm St Andrews vs Qormi; 4pm Gżira United vs Senglea Athletic.
National Stadium: 2pm Valletta vs Pietà Hotspurs; 4pm Floriana vs Balzan.