Marsaxlokk will be hoping to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend if they win their match against Msida St Joseph tomorrow while nearest rivals Sliema Wanderers and Valletta drop points in intriguing encounters today at Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
Sliema Wanderers are riding on a high after beating Valletta for second place last week, but they must be well aware that today’s opponents, Birkirkara, in urgent need to restore some pride after three consecutive heavy defeats. Birkirkara, at the bottom of the Championship Pool, cannot afford another defeat.
It will be a baptism of fire for their newly appointed coach, the former Malta international, John Buttigieg, eager to put the champions back on track. Some changes in the starting line-up might be imminent, but most of all the Birkirkara players need to regain the right motivation to perform up to their standards against the in-form Wanderers, who have won all of their three last matches, emerging as Marsaxlokk’s main title challengers.
Sliema will be missing the services of their suspended central defender Sharlon Pace while striker Michael Galea is again available for selection for Birkirkara after a two-match ban. The match kicks off at 2pm.
The second match in today’s programme (kick-off 4pm) pairs revamped Hibernians against third placed Valletta. The former have to confirm that last week’s win against Msida SJ, their first in five outings, was a turn of fortune for the Paola club who is passing through a bleak patch of form. Another win will see them climb further up the standings in a bid to finish among the top four at least.
Their cause will be hampered by the absence of striker Ndubisi Chukunyere, who is suspended but if Andrew Cohen can produce the same form as against Msida, Hibernians may not finish empty handed. They have twice beaten Valletta this season.
Valletta need to revert to winning ways however after their reverse against Sliema Wanderers last week. Valletta are a very composed unit, proving tough opponents to anyone this season and should keep on track for a place among the top three teams.
An impressive run of 19 matches without defeat should give Marsaxlokk a stranglehold on this year’s championship as they look firm favourites to overcome Msida’s challenge as well tomorrow at Hibs Ground Kordin. In fact they have already beaten the Saints twice this season and Msida have yet to score against Marsaxlokk.
The timing of this fixture is not good for Msida either. The Saints’ early form has deserted them and they have now suffered three consecutive defeats which saw them slide down to fourth place in the Championship Pool, a significant 12 points behind the leaders. Msida have suffered without their striker Ibrahim Babatunde, who missed some matches lately and returned as a substitute last week against Hibernians, only to collect his fourth yellow card and earn a one match suspension.
Jamie Pace is also suspended for Marsaxlokk for tomorrow’s match. (kick off 3.30pm)
The match from the Relegation Pool (tomorrow at 1.30pm) pairs St George’s against Marsa in the battle of the basement. St George’s cannot afford another slip after last week’s defeat by Floriana if they are to entertain hopes of salvation. In fact only a win will suffice as Marsa remain rooted at the bottom of the standings with only two points.
A win for St George’s, who will be without the suspended striker Eduardo ‘Bizu’ Do Nascimento, will put them on equal points with Pieta Hotspurs but the latter will have a game in hand. But Marsa are capable of posing some unexpected problems.