The Bank of Valletta Premier League resumes today at the Ta’ Qali national Stadium with two very important matches.
In the opening match, Marsaxlokk will be facing Valletta while in the match that follows, Sliema Wanderers will be facing Birkirkara.
Sliema are still leading the standings on 28 points, followed by Hibernians on 27, Birkirkara on 25 and Marsaxlokk now on 21.
After their victory over Birkirkara last Thursday, the southern seasiders could also become a title challenger in the near future, if the Stripes beat Sliema and they win their match against Valletta.
The Sliema-Birkirkara match, of course, takes pride of place. While Sliema returned to winning form in their last encounter against lowly Mosta, Birkirkara’s saw their five-match winning sdtreak coming to an end on Thursday against Marsaxlokk.
On that day, Birkirkara produced one of their worst ever performances as Marsaxlokk secured their win with two early goals, taking full advantage of some defensive lapses.
If the Stripes are unable to recover and make a commendable effort at the back, they are bound to be in trouble against Woods, Doncic and Bogdanovic, all of whom are capable of striking at goal whenever they are given the chance.
Coach Stephen Azzopardi must have had a hell of a time during the past four days to get his side back in trim for today’s top clash. The stripes clan is definitely aware that they cannot afford to lose today’s match is they are to remain in touch with the leaders at the start of the second phase, that is, the Championship Pool.
On their part, Sliema have not been playing any great football in their past few matches. Not even in their 2-0 win over Mosta did they look like the championship-winning side of the past three seasons.
But the fact that they returned to winning form after two consecutive defeats was a big satisfaction to all the clan.
The Blues are also looking for a confidence boost and what can be better than a victory over their arch rivals Birkirkara this afternoon.
In the first round, Sliema had beaten Birkirkara 2-1.
In today’s opening match, Marsaxlokk will again be looking for another three points to move closer to the leaders, especially if Birkirkaa inflict a defeat on Sliema.
The southern seasiders seem to have taken a new lease of life under Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia and on thrusday they produced their best performance with Cleaven Frendo being their main inspiration.
Marsaxlokk are well aware that Valletta had beaten them 3-2 in the first round and with the citizens returning to victory also last Thursday against Msida, then it is possible that another close match could be in the offing.
Last Thursday’s win was a big injection for Valletta who must also be well aware that they still need to win more points to make it safely into the top six to play in the Championship Pool in the Second Phase.
Postponements
Sunday’s postponed matches – Hamrun-Pieta and Hibs-Floriana are being played tomorrow at 6pm and 8pm respectively at the Centenary Stadium.
The first division matches – St George’s-Tarxien and San Gwann-St Andrew’s – are being played on Friday, also at the Centenary Stadium.