The coaches of the six top clubs involved in the three most important clashes of the weekend in this last batch of games of the first round, agreed yesterday that these three matches will be crucial.
The three games are Sliema v Floriana, Hibernians v Gzira and Valletta v Hamrun.
Enzo Potenza, mentor of League leaders Floriana, said he was glad with the form of his squad remaining unbeaten so far after 12 matches. "The fact that we are only ahead of second placed Gzira by three points with most of the others not more than six points below us shows that the League is still very much open.
"Now we face rivals Sliema in this last first round encounter. The Blues are one of the best sides I've seen this season, even if some games did not go to their liking. But after winning the last three matches, they are no longer in a crisis and we will have to be on the alert as they can give us a very good run for our money," he said.
On his part, Alfonso Greco, Sliema W. coach, said it will be a difficult match for his side. "Facing Floriana at this moment is not a joke. They are the top side and congratulations to coach Potenza and his squad for maintaining their unbeaten record.
"The three wins, especially the last one against Birkirkara, has enabled us to grow in confidence. Floriana are a well organised side, but we will be doing our utmost to keep our positive trend," he said.
Valletta coach Darren Abdilla and Hamrun mentor Manuele Blasi also agreed that the match between them should be a keenly contested encounter.
Abdilla said the citizens were aware that Hamrun have a squad with some good foreigners and a good number of local players who can make the difference on the field of play. Blasi, on his part, admitted that it will not be easy against Valletta. "They are one of the strongest teams on the island at present, there is no doubt about that. But I am sure my players will do their utmost to rise to the occasion," he added.
Even the Hibernians v Gzira game should be a tight encounter, according to Paolites coach Stefano Sanderra and Gzira's team manager Marlon Galea, deputising for the indisposed Italian coach Giovanni Tedesco.
Sanderra said he was well aware of the strength of the 2nd placed Gzira which will be aiming to keep the pace with leaders Floriana.
On his part, Galea said the Maroons face another difficult test in the form of Hibernians who have been playing some good football of late. "At such a stage of the competition, losing points will mean a lot to any competitor," he added.