Gzira United and Hamrun Spartans will be meeting on Friday evening in an important clash which sees both sides eyeing a place in European football next season.

Gzira, in particular, are even well placed to continue battling for the title as they are second in the standings, while Hamrun are fourth and with a good chance to fight for a place in the Europa League.

Addressing a news conference yesterday morning, both team mentors, Darren Abdilla of Gzira and Giovanni Tedesco of Hamrun, said that they are both eyeing European football next season.

Abdilla said he was convinced that his side can continue challenging for the title. “I have a very good squad and I believe we can fight till the very end.

“This match is important for us. We look forward to win all the three points to keep the pace with the leaders,” he said.

Striker Haruna Garba, formerly of Hamrun, now with Gzira, said this was a match like all the others. “I will not be feeling any pressure that I will be facing some of my former team mates. Perhaps I will not celebrate if I score a goal,” he said.

Hamrun mentor Giovanni Tedesco also acknowledged it will be a difficult game. “We are aware of Gzira’s strength. But I also believe in my squad. We might not be ready yet to challenge for the title, but we still stand a good chance of making it to the Europa League,” he said.

Hamrun captain Tristan Caruana said this will be a difficult clash, “but we are looking at it as important in our quest to qualify for the Europa League. It is an opportunity for us and we will be doing everything possible to gain all the three points,” he said.