Champions Birkirkara and their arch rivals Valletta will be resuming their sporting rivalry at Ta’ Qali this evening when they meet in another top League clash this evening (kick-off 7.30pm).
The match heralds the re-start of the competition after the break allowed for the national team’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Georgia last week.
At present, after all teams have played three matches, Valletta lead the standings with seven points, while Birkirkara, as well as Hamrun Spartans, follow just one point behind.
After the drama of the Super Cup match which Valletta won 3-2 with a last gasp extra time goal and the incidents that followed during the presentation ceremony, one expects another keen match between the two sides this evening. And one also expects that more incidents are avoided, both in and outside the stadium.
After those incidents, Birkirkara were the worst hit – they had four players suspended. Shaun Bajada, Paul Fenech and Patrick Borg missed the opening two league matches, while Serbian central defender Nikola Vukanac missed all three opening matches and will only be making his first appearance in the league this season this evening.
It is also the first time that coach Paul Zammit is able to field his typical formation and it is because of this that the Stripes seem to be confident of keeping the Citizens at bay.
However, the Stripes will have to play much better than they did against Floriana and Hibernians if they are to entertain hopes of beating Valletta today. In those two matches, Birkirkara were far from impressive.
Zammit finally has the luxury of a second top goalkeeper after missing out on Brazilian Ezequiel Lovizon due to an injury sustained in the opener against Sliema. Scottish goalie Michael Fraser signed for the Stripes early this week. However, the coach seems to be undecided as to whether to retain the in-form Matthew Bartolo between the sticks or give the experienced Fraser a debut against the Citizens. The latter played in the Scottish Premier League the past eight seasons, first with Inverness Caledonian and then with Motherwell.
Otherwise, the coach will welcome back into his ranks Vukanac who will definitely partner Scottish defender Ryan Harding at the back.
Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa also is aware that his talented side is still far from its best form. Despite leading the standings, Valletta have not been very impressive and they know that they can do much better than they have done in their opening three matches.
Zerafa is also aware that the Stripes will be at full strength this evening and that means his players have to be at their peak to get out of Ta’ Qali with a positive result.
Zerafa will still be without the services of injured veteran Gilbert Agius, but he has enough talent among his ranks to please the team’s numerous fans.