final is played between champions Valletta and Birkirkara FC (Kick-off 5pm).

The two teams reached the final of the competition last week when Birkirkara defeated Sliema in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, while Valletta defeated Balzan 2-1 scoring two late goals to overturn a 0-1 deficit.

The citizens are obviously looking forward towards winning the Trophy to register a memorable double. On the other hand, the Stripes are eager to lift the Trophy for the 6^th time in the club’s history.

These two teams have been protagonists in the local football scene for the past 20 years or so and matches between them have always been keenly contested. Most of them have been close encounters and I expect today’s game will certainly no exception.

Danilo Doncic’s Valletta are considered favourites because of several reasons. First and foremost, they are still full of enthusiasm following their League victory. They have also been much more consistent throughout the season although they have been mostly unimpressive and lacked that goal touch for which they are usually well known. Moreover, it is evident that Valletta are a more experienced squad than Birkirkara this season.

On the other hand, Birkirkara are also happy that they are in the final, but Paul Zammit’s boys must show improvement over recent performances to contradict predictions of a Valletta win. During the league, after a somewhat disastrous start, the Stripes recovered and went through a very impressive winning run which lifted them to 4^th place and at one time were even challenging for the title. But they failed to keep their promise and only recently did they show some glimpse of that earlier form.

The Stripes did well to finish fourth in the League to secure their berth in the Europa League next season. That means they will not be under any pressure in this final and that is certainly one thing in their favour.

Valletta, who have won the Trophy 13 times so far, will have to face the Stripes without central defender Steve Borg who is suspended after being shown a red card during the semi-final against Balzan.

On their part, Birkirkara are able to field a full squad, apart from Guillaumier who is still injured and therefore also ruled out.

 

For the record

This is the 80^th edition of the competition which started with the first edition in 1935. It was won first by Sliema W. There was no competition between 1941 and 1944 due to World War II.

The Blues have won it for 21 times and are closely followed by Floriana on 20.

Valletta are next with 13 wins. Hibernians have won it on 10 occasions and they are followed by Hamrun on 6 and Birkirkara on 5. Melita, Zurrieq, Gzira U. and Rabat Ajax have won it on one occasion each.