Champions Valletta FC and FA Trophy holders Balzan face off this afternoon as they meet for the Malta Super Cup at the National Stadium (kick-off 3pm).
This year's encounter is a repetition of last year's match wherein Valletta defeated Balzan 2-1 in a keenly contested game.
For the record, Valletta had taken an early lead through an own goal from Michael Johnson. Balzan then equalised before the interval through Alex da Paixao Alves, but Valletta struck the winner 14 minutes from the end through Mario Fontanella.
This year's game will possibly be as keen as that of last season and let us not forget that the two teams produced an extremely entertaining and also keenly contested FA Trophy final in May this year when Balzan ran out winners after a penalty shoot-out.
I expect both teams to go all out for a win to finish the year on a positive note.
In the league Valletta are occupying an exalted 3rd place on 25 points, six adrift of leaders Floriana, while Balzan are 6th on 18 points, seven behind the citizens.
The two coaches, Darren Abdilla of Valletta, and Jacques Scerri of Balzan, are expected to include their typical formation as their starting line-up.
The Maltese Super Cup is an annual game held between the champions of the previous Maltese Premier League season and the holders of the Maltese FA Trophy.
The Cup was first played in 1985 with Rabat defeating Zurrieq 2-0.
Valletta are the most successful Cup winners, having won the title 12 times. Birkirkara follow with 7, Hamrun 5, Hibernians and Sliema three each, Rabat and Floriana two each.
Valletta, Balzan in battle for first honour of the 2019/2020 season
Champions Valletta and Trophy holders Balzan will again be the protagonists this afternoon in the match for the Super Cup.
It is the first honour to be won this season and both sides are looking forward to clinch it.
Valletta coach Darren Abdilla has all his squad available, including Santiago Malano who only returned from injury a few days ago, but lamented that this boys are very tired after a long active period which seemed never ending, with League, Trophy, national team and Champions League matches till the end of last season and the start of this season.
He also criticised those who say that foreign coaches (no names mentioned) are perhaps better tacticians than the Maltese coaches. "The Maltese have also done well considering that they are far less respected than the foreigners. Let all give credit where it is due," he remarked.
He went on to say that this is another final and his team is expecting a good match against strong opponents. "It is a match which could go either way, as was the case last season with the final of the FA Trophy," he said.
Abdilla also said that although they are six points behind leaders Floriana in the League, it is evident that the battle is not yet won and lost. "We are aware that it is the second round which will produce the crucial matches which could make one team or the other champions," he added.
On his part, Balzan mentor Jacques Scerri said his side's FA Trophy win seven months ago was still fresh in their minds. "That was one of the best matches last season and I hope this match will again be another thriller.
"It will be nice to score another win to clinch a second honour for the club. We "had a somewhat difficult start to this season, but lately we have improved and I believe we are back on the right track.
"Still, we are aware of the strength of the champions. They are passing through a positive run at the moment and it will not be easy to topple them."
Valletta captain Jonathan Caruana also argued that it was grossly unfair for players not to get a proper rest, especially between one season and another. "It is very difficult for us and I think the authorities must do something to help us in this regard," he added.
The city captain said he was sure that the team players are motivated to get another success. "We are still thirsty for success," he said.
Balzan captain Steve Bezzina said he believes that his colleagues are all well prepared for another tough tie as was the FA Trophy final last season. "We will be doing our utmost to return to our club with a second trophy. If we win, it will serve us as a big boost for the second round in the League," he said.