Rivals battle to keep slim title hopes alive

The pace set by runaway leaders Hibernians this term has made it extremely difficult for their rivals to cope particularly when both Valletta and Birkirkara failed to hit top form.  With Birkirkara currently 14 points behind the leaders and enjoying a one point lead over their opponents, Paul Zammit’s side must surely believe they can grab the three points are start putting pressure on Hibernians for the first time this season.

Valletta have been disappointing this season and with all the high expectations set by their president after last season’s title triumph, the position they find themselves at present is definitely not what they wanted.  Furthermore the Valletta faithful must surely be feeling worried with this week’s statements made by Victor Schriha concerning his future at the club.

For the champions to get a result they will surely have to show more commitment and effort in their play as well as remaining very compact defensively.  Their defence though having only conceded sixteen goals has often looked vulnerable when put under pressure.  The two full backs may prove to be a threat with their constant runs forward and if effective, can cause the Birkirkara defence problems.  In Midfield the Whites will look for in form players Roderick Briffa and Ryan Fenech to dictate play and alongside them the attacking threat of Hamza Barry.

For Birkirkaras’ part, possession will be crucial in containing their opponents’ attack, while at the same time relying on the individual abilities of midfielders Paul Fenech and Rafael Ledesma together with the pace and power of forward Shola Shodiya to threaten the Valletta backline.  The stripes may be further strengthened by the return of Rowen Muscat who returned to the club after a brief spell in Hungary.  It wil be no surprise that Muscat go straight in the team as midfielder Ryan Scicluna will be missing the match.

While both sides will aim to remain strong defensively, the norm in such games is winning the midfield battles which often prove to be the decisive factor in winning and losing matches.  Both teams possess technical players to mark their territory in the middle of the park as well as creating and taking chances.  Midfielder Paul Fenech has the ability to dictate play with his long range passing.  Alongside him in the middle of the park will most likely be Rafael Ledesma and Rowen Muscat containing the perfect mix to win the battle in midfield.

Birkirkara will be without midfield player Ryan Scicluna who is out through suspension.

Birkirkara Vs Valletta (Sunday, 4pm, National Stadium)

Qormi debut for Mark Miller on Sunday

Greens look to add more misery on sinking Qormi

In the first match on Sunday Floriana take on bottom placed Qormi in a match where it is vital for the side now guided by Coach Mark Miller not to go home empty handed.

Qormi have been in downfall for much of the season with a series of consecutive losses dropping them to just where they never imagined to be at the beginning of the season; in bottom place.  Qormi looked like they were slowly getting back in form after an unfortunate 3-2 defeat against Valletta, but things failed to improve with Qormi now failing to register a win in twelve matches.

Floriana on the other hand look to be improving steadily and are still hoping of securing a place in the top four, especially after the FA Trophy exit against Qormi ended their hopes of winning any silverware.

The Greens should not be taking their opponents lightly however, with Qormi installing Mark Miller as the man to turn around their fortunes and end their miserable run.  The greens started the season on shaky grounds much like their opponents; but slowly started to find their form game by game.

Things will not be made any easier for Mark Miller following the departure of Frank Temille who opted to join Naxxar in the January window and with his side failing to add any adequate reinforcements of note.

Qormi will take confidence from their FA Trophy success over Floriana two weeks ago and will be keen to reassert that kind of dominance over their opponents.

Floriana currently sit in fifth on 28 points, while Qormi are now occupying bottom place on 17 points.

Clyde Borg and Steve Pisani are unavailable for the greens as they are serving a one match suspension.  Qormi have no suspension problems and Mark Miller should have all players at his disposal.

Floriana Vs Qormi (Sunday, 2pm, National Stadium)