Sliema and Hibs face each other in search for first positive result ●Valletta, Hamrun S., Birkirkara, Balzan and Floriana seek second consecutive win
The Bank of Valletta Premier League enters its second batch of matches in the first round between today and tomorrow with the most important clash being the Sliema-Hibernians tie at the Victor Tedesco Stadium this evening.
Both teams lost their opening encounters the past weekend – Sliema going down 1-2 against Valletta and Hibernians surprisingly losing 3-1 to newly promoted Hamrun Spartans.
In other matches, last weekend’s winners - Valletta, Hamrun S., Birkirkara, Balzan and Floriana – will be seeking a second consecutive win to maintain their positive start to the season.
After the first weekend, one can safely say that all the teams – even the losers in most matches – appeared to be well prepared and they all offered their best despite the scorching heat, especially on Friday.
It seems as if we will possibly witness a well contested championship this season, even if the season is still at such an early stage.
As already said, the top clash should be the Sliema-Hibernians encounter.
I expect both sides to do their best to try and leave the Victor Tedesco Stadium with a positive result. On the opening day, Hibernians left their fans bitterly disappointed as they were gunned down by an impressive Hamrun side which aims to do well this season – back among the elite after three seasons in the lower divisions.
The Paolites – and the Wanderers – will certainly have to show much better form if they are to get going in this season’s competition.
With the prospects of a victory for Valletta and Birkirkara, at least, once again this weekend, it is evident that both teams will need the three points if they wish not to be distanced from the top clubs so early.
Valletta will now be facing Mosta who fought bravely even if they had to bow down to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Balzan.
The citizens are still a strong side despite some early season shortcomings such as the lack of form of some players.
On the other hand, Mosta must be aware that they will have to be at their very best to keep the champions at bay. It will be definitely a difficult task for them to collect their first point(s) of the new season.
The impressive Birkirkara, who routed St Andrews 4-0 on Friday, now take on Tarxien Rainbows who did not go beyond a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Gzira United.
The Stripes should again be considered favourites to bag another three points from this encounter, even if the Rainbows are a different kettle of fish.
In fact, Jacques Scerri’s side missed a couple of good chances to make sure of the three points against Gzira before having to settle for just a point following a very late equaliser from the Maroons.
The latter who won the first division championship last season, face the enthusiastic Hamrun Spartans tomorrow.
Branko Nisevic’s side showed character as they fought back to level matters against the Rainbows, but if the Spartans manage to find the same form with which they annihilated Hibernians, then there is no doubt that the match will prove to be very tough for the Maroons.
Floriana also started the season on a positive note beating Pembroke by the odd goal in three. The Greens have lost Italian striker Piciollo who has now joined Balzan, but have signed Argentine striker Ignazio Lucas Varela who is expected to make his debut tomorrow against St Andrews.
The latter will be eager to forget their slipshod performance against Birkirkara and will be hoping to give the Greens a good run for their money.
Balzan will also be seeking a second consecutive win when they face Pembroke Athleta.
Oliver Spiteri’s side has been further strengthened this week with the arrival from Floriana of free scoring striker Piciollo and that will make Pembroke’s task even more difficult.
Pembroke, however, gave a good account of themselves despite the 1-2 defeat at the hands of Floriana. And they have also been strengthened with the arrival of goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona, also from Floriana.
Programme Today
Bank of Valletta Premier League 6.30pm Tarxien R.-Birkirkara; 8.30pm Mosta-Valletta.
Bank of Valletta Premier League 6.30pm Pembroke Ath.-Balzan; 8.45pm Sliema W.-Hibernians
Tomorrow
Bank of Valletta Premier League 6.30pm St Andrews-Floriana; 8.30pm Hamrun S.-Gzira U.