An interesting and keen clash is anticipated this afternoon at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, as the final of the FA Trophy is played between Valletta and Balzan.
The two teams will be the protagonists as the local 2018-2019 season comes to an end.
Both Valletta and Balzan have shown that they can produce a good performance worthy of an FA Trophy final.
The citizens, after claiming the title for a second consecutive time, will now be looking forward to lay hands on the Trophy to make it a second successive win and also a successive double.
On the other hand, Balzan have been trying hard the past three seasons to win a first major honour in local football. They have established themselves as one of the top six teams but their only success so far has been their participation in the UEFA Europa League.
Now they are aiming for a 'double', that is, a place in the UEFA Europa League as well as a first FA Trophy win which will be their first major honour.
In the semifinals, Valletta defeated Gzira while Balzan overcame Birkirkara.
Addressing a news conference yesterday morning, Balzan coach Jacques Scerri said this match offers Balzan a chance to make history. "If we win, it will be the club's first major honour. Having reached this stage, my boys deserve all the credit. They have done well throughout the whole season, while I have only been in charge for the past 12 games.
"Now that we have reached the final, my boys are determined to go all the way and achieve success.
"Despite facing champions Valletta, we will be playing our normal game. Of course, we have to respect the citizens, the same as they have to respect us. We are aware that our opponents are a very strong team, but we believe in our abilities, and I am sure that my boys will be able to rise to the occasion. I am certain that on our day, we are able to beat any other Maltese team," he said.
Scerri added that in the semifinal against Birkirkara, his side had shown character in fighting back from being 1-0 down to claim their place in today's final by turning the tables on the Stripes, beating them 2-1. "We are lucky that all our injured players have recovered, so I will have a full squad available," he said.
Valletta mentor Gilbert Agius said the citizens had reached the final after three very tough matches - the League decider against Hibs, the quarter final against the same Hibs, and the semifinal against Gzira. "We have reached our peak at the right time, but we must also give credit to Balzan coach Jacques Scerri who managed to change his club's direction in the League after a somewhat disappointing season. Since he took over, he lost only two matches, and one of them was against us as we scored a late winner in a closely fought match.
"We are also aware that our opponents possess a strong defensive department. They have kept seven clean sheets in the last 12 matches.
"Despite everything, we do not feel under pressure. With regards to our preparation, we have trained as usual, the same as we do for normal matches," he said.
Both coaches are expecting a closely fought match, but both said 'may the best team win'.
Valletta captain Jonathan Caruana said he and his teammates are not feeling any pressure. "We have enough experience to take part in such matches. We know that it is possible to achieve another double, but our main aim is to emerge winners to finish the season on a top note.
"In our recent matches, coach Agius has also given the chance to some youngsters to play in the senior side and they came out with flying colours. I can say the City squad is ready to play the final," he said.
Balzan captain Steve Bezzina said it is obvious that the team is very motivated. "We know what happened in the past few years when we failed to land a top honour. Now that we are no near once again, we are determined to change all that by winning this match.
"We also are aware that the UEFA Europa League berth is very important for the club. So we will be doing our very best to be successful today in this final obstacle," he said.
The referee
Mario Apap has been assigned control of this year's FA Trophy final between Valletta and Balzan.
His assistants will be William Debattista and Paul Apap. The 4th official will be Eman Grech.