Last Chance for Birkirkara to remain in title hunt

One of the tastiest fixtures in the Maltese Premier League takes place on Saturday afternoon when Birkirkara and Hibernians face off in what is undoubtedly Birkirkara’s last opportunity for a title challenge.  The stripes have so far registered three consecutive wins in the New Year and will surely be attempting to close the gap on unbeaten leaders Hibernians, presently seeming unbeatable.  Branko Nisevic’s men currently sit on 55 points winning eighteen from their nineteen matches played, and enjoying a comfortable fifteen point lead over both Birkirkara and Valletta.

Nineteen games into this season and the Paolites are still to taste defeat this season.  Their current feat is remarkable to say the least as it has been quite a long time since we witnessed a team possessing such superiority over their opponents.  On Saturday, they face a Birkirkara side growing in confidence with a good mix of experienced and young players making their way into the team through Coach Paul Zammit’s strong beliefs of giving young players an opportunity to play at this level.  On their best day, the Stripes surely possess the quality to end Hibernians’ dominant run.

For Hibernians, possession and direct play into the last two thirds of the pitch will be crucial once again; relying on the individual brilliance of players such as Clayton Failla, Andrew Cohen and Edison Tarabai to threaten an improved Birkirkara defence.  The three players have contributed a major part of Hibernians’ goals this season and will be surely be keen to add more to their account.

While both sides will aim to remain strong defensively, the norm in similar games is winning the midfield battles which often prove decisive in winning and losing matches of this sort.  Both formations possess equally technical players with the ability to create and score goals on a regular basis.  Bjorn Kristensen with his ability to dictate play in the middle of the field is most likely to be accompanied by instrumental Rodolfo Suares who has been in such great form this season. 

For Birkirkara, not to succumb to early pressure from Hibernians’ will be vital for their chances of getting a positive result.  Their defence had on previous occasions been caught out against lesser opponents in respect to Hibernians, and tightening up their defence has to be a priority in Paul Zammit’s game plan.  In the middle of the park, Birkirkara will be relying on Paul Fenech and Edmond Agius to dictate play alongside the attacking threat of Shola Shodiya.

Hibernians will be without strong defender Andrei Agius who will be serving a one-match ban.

Birkirkara Vs Hibernians (Saturday, 4pm, National Stadium)

In the other match, Mosta will continue their search for continuity this season as they prepare to clash with a stuttering Floriana side, eliminated from the FA Trophy in mid-week.

The Greens have suffered three straight defeats including the Cup defeat to Qormi confirming their struggles to maintain consistency throughout the campaign.  Despite a non-convincing campaign so far, Floriana are still in contention for a place in the top four, and currently sit in joint fifth with Mosta on 24 points.

Mosta themselves have been quite inconsistent this term, recently humiliated by Birkirkara in a 1-5 defeat.  Like Floriana, Mosta are still in contention for a top four finish, but will need a string of victories to compete with the likes of Balzan if they are to keep their ambition of possibly making it to Europe.

Mosta coach Peter Smith will have his entire squad available to him with the exception of defender Adrian Borg who is still nursing an ankle injury but should be on the bench to face Floriana.  Along with the new signings who are expected to feature, the blues should feel confident in their chances of getting something out this match.  There are no suspensions within the squad

Floriana will be without Amadou Samb who will again be suspended, this time serving a four match ban.

Mosta Vs Floriana (Saturday, 2pm, National Stadium)