Mosta are already six points off the pace in the BO Premier League, having failed to win their first two matches against Hibernians and Valletta. Many may argue that Steve D’Amato’s team has lost against the best two sides in the Premier, but that may be scant consolation for others.
Mosta were widely expected to make further strides this time around, following their several new expensive buys of both local and foreign players. Yet, they have still to gel as a team. Both against Hibernians and Valletta they looked stale for long periods and only a collection of individuals, bereftof togetherness and work ethics. But what is more worrying is the below par individual performances seen so far from the likes of keeper Justin Haber, defender Luke Dimech, forward Daniel Bogdanovic and Obinne Obiefule. As a mostly changed team, Mosta have still to settle down and pressure is already mounting upon coach D’Amato from the disgruntled supporters.
Mosta hope things will turn for the better this evening when they play Sliema Wanderers in the second match (kick off 8.30pm) of the weekend’s third day programme at the Hibernians Stadium. The Wanderers have already garnered four points from their previous two matches, drawing against Floriana and winning in extremis against Tarxien Rainbows. Their Italian coach Alfonso Greco is aware that there is still much work to be done for Sliema to become competitive, but the inclusion of Italian midfielder Paltemio Barbetti, who netted his side’s winner in added time against Tarxien Rainbows, marked some improvement in the side already. Other new Argentine midfielders Matias Muchardi and especially Pablo Gonzalez may prove good buys when they settle more into the side, while forward Omar El Ghaouti has shown that he is capable of doing a good job in front of goal.
In this evening’s first match, Birkirkara, who have maximum points together with Valletta and Hibernians so far, are expected to maintain their perfect start when they play Rabat Ajax (kick off 6.30pm).
Birkirkara have obtained two comfortable, though also slightly shaky wins, against Melita and Qormi. Some might argue that sterner tests lie ahead for Birkirkara to assess their true potential but, nonetheless, the Stripes have been solid at the back, conceding only one goal in 180 minutes, creative and industrious in midfield, thanks to Paul Fenech and Gareth Sciberras, as well as lethal in front of goal through the mobility and finishing of Joselito, Jhonnattan and Shodiya.
The latter two were forced to be substituted early in their last match against Balzan because of injury and may be doubtful for today’s match. Ryan Scicluna will be serving a one-match ban and will be definitely out of the contest against Rabat Ajax.
The Premier League newcomers have shown lack of expertise, with several flaws in defence, and although still very early, one need not have any psychiatric powers to forecast a difficult season ahead for the Magpies. Their coach Silvio Vella is optimistic that the advent of the first point and the first goals in the Premier League in a 3-3 draw against other newcomers Melita last week, will help ease off the pressure.
One hopes Rabat won’t be massacred by heavyweights Birkirkara this evening.