League leaders and champions Sliema will be looking to finish the first round on a top when they face Pieta Hotspurs in today’s second match. The Wanderers should find little difficulty in disposing of struggling Pieta.
Although not always impressive, Sliema have achieved great results in the first round so far winning their previous eight matches. Sliema should welcome back midfield player Stefan Giglio. On the other hand coach Deanov will have to do without one of his sons, Ilian, who is under a one-match suspension.
Pieta were outclassed in their last match played against Marsaxlokk, and only a great performance this afternoon can save them from another defeat against hot favourites Sliema.
In today’s first match, once mighty Valletta will be trying to recover some of their lost prestige when they face Mosta in a relegation battle. Valletta are still smarting from the debacle against Hamrun last Monday. Valletta who will be without the suspended Rennie Forace will be hoping that Gilbert Agius, and especially Ndubisi Chukunyere will be at their best against the lively Mosta side.
The boys led by Paul Zammit are a hard nut to crack even though their position in the table is far from healthy. Mosta produced some good football in their first eight matches played and with some luck and experience could have added further points to their tally. Strikers Chibueze and Nwoko can be a lethal tandem against Valletta’s shaky rearguard.
In tomorrow’s matches Hamrun Spartans face neighbours Msida, whilst Hibernians clash with Marsaxlokk.
The match between the Spartans and Msida, should been be keenly contested as the in-form Spartans will try to gain precious points in their quest to finish in the championship pool. Surely the three new foreigners and Ivan Zammit, have transformed the side, with Gaetan Spiteri standing out with his deadly finishing.
Msida were beaten in their last outing by Hibernians, and they will be without the suspended Mark Pullicino. Babatunde and Daniel Nwoke form one of the best attacking partners in the Premier League, and these two players might turn the tide in favour of the Saints.
The Hibernians-Marsaxlokk clash should be balanced, with both sides returning to winning form in their last outing. Hibernians will be sorely missing the services of midfield maestro Essien Mbong who will serve a one-match suspension. Marsaxlokk under the guidance of new coach Ray Zazu Farrugia, have finally shown some good stuff against Pieta. Surely they have enough power to beat any side in the Premier, but coach Farrugia must work more to give the side the much needed stability.