Floriana FC will be trying to erase last Thursday’s humiliating 8-0 defeat at the hands of AEK Larnaca of Cyprus when the two clubs meet in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie in Larnaca this evening (kick-off 7pm).

On that day, the Greens played one of their matches ever and did not appear fully prepared to face much superior opponents.

So superior was the Cypriot side that, at times, they seemed to be playing against an Under 16 side, and could have won by an even bigger margin.

One cannot understand what happened among the Greens clan last Thursday. One might concede that the Larnaca side is superior, but certainly not to that extent.

It was a miserable performance from the Greens which has to be eradicated immediately if they are to lift the morale of their supporters only a few weeks before the start of competitions in the new season.

Coach Michael Woods has had a difficult week in trying to lift the morale of his players following that disastrous defeat and he is now hoping to make amends with a good performance in Larnaca this evening.

There is no doubt as to who will be proceeding to the third round, but at least, one expects Floriana to rise to the occasion and offer some decent opposition. In so doing, they will be presenting a better image of Maltese football.

Woods has the following squad at his disposal in Larnaca:

Goalkeepers: Matthew Towns, Jurgen Borg.

Defenders: Manolito Micallef, Tyrone Farrugia, Owen Bugeja, Duncan Pisani, Brooke Farrugia.

Midfielders: Thomas Paris, Pablo Doffo, Joseph Borg, Clyde Borg. Christian Cassar.

Strikers: Ivan Woods, Ryan Darmanin, Christian Caruana.