Birkirkara will be aiming for a victory this afternoon at Ta’ Qali against Faroe Islands champions BK 36 Torshavn (kick-off 6.30pm).

For the Stripes, this is the second time they are taking part in the Champions League and this time, they are eagerly looking forward towards qualification to the second round where a lucrative tie with Turkish side Fenerbahce is awaiting.

The Stripes have made no secret of the fact that they intend to do well and go beyond the first qualifying round. When the draws were made by UEFA, chairman Victor Zammit was prompt to describe the draw as very favourable.

Since then there have been a lot of developments at the club, primarily among which was the arrival of four new foreigners who are still trying to integrate within their new surroundings.

Goalkeeper Andzej Bledzewski, defender Guido Gallovich, midfielder Angelo Paradiso and striker Sbai Hatim are all expected to be wearing the club’s jersey this afternoon as coach Stephen Azzopardi continues to struggle with non-stop injury problems.

In fact, such established stars as Antoine Zahra, Adrian Ciantar, Etienne Barbara, Michael Galea and Jonathan Holland are all ruled out of today’s clash. Holland, perhaps, may be available for the away second leg clash next week. Another star, midfielder Roderick Briffa, was still in doubt for today’s clash, but the coach was still harbouring some hope that he might be declared available by the MFA doctor.

Last week, the Stripes had to make use of so many youngsters in their line-ups to face Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians in the Euro Challenge Cup. Despite the defeats, Birkirkara cannot be said to have disfigured, having had to field so many new faces. Against Hibernians, for example, even Michael Galea had to drop out, leaving Azzopardi with just two regular players – Camenzuli and Scicluna – from last season’s line-up, including the three foreigners.

Azzopardi now has to start from scratch and today will be the first match in which he will be able to watch his newcomers on parade in an official manner.

Today, Azzopardi will also have the ‘luxury’ of making use of the returning Lino Galea and Mark Anthony Bonnici, his two flank defenders, as well as striker Matthew Calascione and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

The Stripes coach conceded that he did not see his opponents in action before today’s clash, but he has been told that the Torshavn side is more or less of the same level as that of the Stripes and therefore he expects a close contest.

Azzopardi said Birkirkara will be doing their best to try and obtain a win this afternoon to take a good advantage with them for the return leg next week:

Probable formation: A. Bledzewski, R. Sammut, G. Gallovich, K. Scicluna, L. Galea; MA Bonnici, A. Paradiso, W. Camenzuli, M. Calascione, JP Mifsud Triganza, S. Hatim.

If Roderick Briffa is declared fit to play, he may start ahead of Calascione, who only started training recently as he was working abroad.