City and suburban rivals Valletta and Floriana will be meeting this afternoon (kick-off 5pm) in the FA Trophy final – the final match of the season.

The match between the two arch rivals promises to be keen and the atmosphere at the Stadium this afternoon should help to make it a memorable afternoon for all those attending the match.

The two teams will be eager to close the season on a high. Valletta have been the most successful so far, lifting the major honour – the League title. Floriana have passed through their best season since their last Trophy success in 1994. They finished a creditable second and in the process, also earned the right to return to European football after a long absence. Next month, together with Birkirkara, they will be playing in the Europa League.

The Greens fans are longing for success over the Citizens who have been a superior outfit in the past few seasons. The last time they met in a final was the match for the Centenary Cup and that went City’s way to the disappointment of the Greens.

Valletta are obviously looking forward to make it a memorable double and they seem to have all the necessary ingredients to start as firm favourites to lift the Trophy as well after their League triumph.

Club coach Jesmond Zerafa, however, has been very cautious because every City fan is aware that a match against their arch rivals is never easy.

But with the players among their ranks, Valletta should be more than confident of beating their rivals.

The Greens, in fact, will have to be cautious in their approach as they can never afford to give much space to players like Denni Dos Santos, Terence Scerri and Ryan Fenech, not to mention others in the high profile City squad.

The Citizens are also very strong in midfield where Gilbert Agius, Jamie Pace, Roderick Briffa and Edmond Agius form a veritable quartet which is second to none in local football.

On their part, Floriana also have their own guns with Nigerian striker Daniel Nwoke also expected to be a protagonist. This player will also be expected to be well marked by the City defence.

If he can beat the City tactics, Nwoke he could prove to be a match winner for the Greens. But they also have former City striker Ivan Woods who may cause damage to the Citizens. If given the right support from midfield from good quality midfielders as Doffo, Cassar and Caruana, these two players could prove to be a thorn in the City defence.