The BOV Premier League makes way for the quarter final matches of the U*BET FA Trophy this weekend.
Two matches are played today and two tomorrow at Ta’ Qali National Stadium, all four between teams from the Premier League.
A bumper crowd is expected today with a crunch tie between holders Valletta and Hibernians (kick off 4pm), preceded by the Sliema-Birkirkara match. Valletta will not only want to repeat last season’s feat and retain the Trophy, but also keep alive their chances of making a memorable double this season.
Valletta, one of four seeded teams, have been given a bye and only enter the competition at this stage, to defend the honour they won last season against Qormi. Hibernians however have already played Pieta Hotspurs (4-0) in the first round and then struggled to go past Second Division side St Andrews with a narrow 3-2 win in the second. Hibernians’ form has improved though since last January, as they have won all three league matches in the Relegation Pool on the trot.
Today they face a test of nerves against a strong side, still unbeaten this season, who can boast of a lethal attack as well as mean defence. Although starting as favourites, Valletta must not show signs of complacency however.
In today’s first match, another mouthwatering encounter is in the offing when Sliema Wanderers play Birkirkara (kick off 2pm). Both teams were awarded a bye after Birkirkara won the Championship and the Wanderers finished third last season. The two teams met three times this season. Sliema beat Birkirkara 3-1 in the Euro Cup but the Stripes defeated them 4-1 in the Premier League and then drew 2-2 in the first phase. Faltering Sliema have failed to hold a place in the Championship Pool this season and a good run, if not a final victory, may offer some consolation to a very disappointing season.
Birkirkara have the pedigree to go all the way as the side has been strengthened by the addition of defender Andrei Agius as well as forwards Babatunde and Kumbravicius. Trevor Cilia is also back to full fitness after missing a big part of the season’s first part. So expect many goals and more drama.
Tomorrow, Tarxien Rainbows play Vittoriosa Stars (kick off 2pm). Tarxien may start as favourites, especially after the different fortunes of the teams in the Championship this season. While Tarxien have made it early to the Championship Pool, battling Vittoriosa are languishing at the bottom of the Relegation Pool.
But the Stars cannot be taken lightly, especially after their surprising, but deserving second round 3-0 win against Marsaxlokk which defied the form book. Tarxien beat First Division side Balzan Youths (3-1) in the first round and advanced with a 3-2 win over Hamrun Spartans in extra time. But this season, Tarxien have twice beaten Vittoriosa in the Premier League, with identical 1-0 wins.
The last match in this quarter final stage is between Qormi and Floriana. Qormi were last season’s beaten finalists and since they believe that the team is stronger this time, although failing to make it to the Championship Pool, they see no reason why they cannot repeat the route. Qormi’s strength is in attack with the flair and finishing of Michael Mifsud, Bello Osagie and Jose Souza.
Floriana are chasing a place in European competition, either by finishing second in the League or by winning this competition. Although they lack consistency in their play, the Greens, who have changed their coach, can make further strides in this competition after already going past Lija Athletic (3-0) and then Mosta (1-0) after extra time in the previous rounds. Floriana have beaten Qormi twice in the first phase of the Premier League, 1-0 and 4-3.
Extra time will be played if teams are tied after normal time and penalty kicks will decide the winners if the result is still a draw at the end of extra time. The semi-finals will be played on 14 and 15 May with the Trophy final scheduled for 22 May.