Valletta will be eyeing a positive result from today’s home clash with Poland’s Ruch Chorzow. The match is being played at the Centenary Stadium and kicks off at 5pm.
Valletta are the second Maltese side taking part in this year’s competition. Sliema were eliminated last week on a 3-0 aggregate by Croatia’s Sibenik after having figured in a goalless draw in the first leg match away from home.
City coach Jesmond Zerafa said yesterday his side was eyeing what he termed as a possible positive result from today’s encounter. He said: “I have seen our opponents in action and I am aware they are a strong side. But I believe we have some things in which we are better and we have to make the most of our chances. Most of the players will be at my disposal, except Kenneth Scicluna and Edmond Agius. These will include the foreigners – all newcomers – Ramon dos Santos (formerly of Qormi), Denni Rocha dos Santos (formerly of Tarxien R.) and Omonigho Temile (brother of former winger Frank).”
Zerafa said the starting line-up could not be revealed yet. “This will only be announced a few hours before kick off as I still have some little problems to solve,” he added.
Zerafa said he will instruct his players to keep their feet to the ground as this is an experienced side. “Last season they finished second in their national league. They have played in European competitions on several occasions and have a number of good foreigners among their ranks. But I believe that if we are tactically right, we can come out with a positive result. It is important we get a positive result in this home match, thus making the second leg even more interesting,” he said.
For Zerafa, it will be the first time that he will be leading a side in a European competitive match as a coach. Against Barry Town of Wales, he had been assistant coach to Chris Manolov.
The City squad:
Goalkeepers: Andrew Hogg, Nicholas Vella
Defenders: Jonathan Caruana, Steve Borg, Ramon dos Santos, Steve Bezzina.
Midfielders: Gilbert Agius, Roderick Briffa, Cleaven Frendo, Jamie Pace, Dylan Grima, Kevin Sammut, Denni Rocha dos Santos.
Strikers: Dyson Falzon, Kevin Sammut, Terence Scerri, Omonigho Temile.