Leaders Gzira now face rampant Valletta today in top weekend match
The Premier League enters its 10th matchday which includes the top weekend clash between leaders Gzira United and one of their immediate challengers, defending champions Valletta.
Another match which could be very interesting to watch is the Hibernians-Birkirkara tie on Sunday.
At present, after the first nine rounds, Gzira are leading the standings with 23 points, while Valletta and Hibernians are on 21. Sliema are 4th on 16, while Balzan and Birkirkara have 15 points.
THE HIGHLIGHT
The Gzira-Valletta match is certainly the highlight of the weekend programme.
A large crowd is expected this evening at the Ta’ Qali national stadium where the match is being played, starting at 7pm.
The two teams seem to have prepared seriously for what is expected to be a keenly fought encounter.
Addressing a news conference yesterday morning, both coaches said they were aiming for the three points, but of course, Gzira will also be able to retain top position with a draw, although Hibernians will be able to join them on Sunday if they beat Birkirkara.
Gzira mentor Darren Abdilla said last week’s loss of two points in the 1-1draw against Pieta was a sort of setback to the team, but it also showed the character of his team. “Conceding an 85th minute goal, everyone thought that Pieta would go on and win, but my boys fought back to score a late goal which also saved our unbeaten record,” he said.
Abdilla is very much aware of Valletta’s strength. “They had a bad start, but they are now on a very impressive run of seven consecutive wins. But this is a game which we look forward to play. It is a direct match and, as such, we would like to win all the three points, as we did in the previous four direct clashes.
“We always go out to win every match we play and today it will be no exception. I also hope we can keep our goals against column low – our defence and that of Hamrun have proved to be the hardest to beat so far suffering just five goals.”
Abdilla said he could not say right now whether Gzira will win the title. “All I can say is that if the league finished yesterday, we would be champions. I cannot say what will happen till next May.”
City coach Danilo Doncic is very happy with the form being shown by his players. “At present we are in excellent form playing attractive football, creating a lot of chances and scoring a very good number of goals – 28 in seven matches.
“I only hope that we will win this evening’s game so that we will be at the top of the table.
“But we must be very cautious. Gzira are a very good side. They are still unbeaten and that shows it will not be an easy match for us. Our only advantage will be the fans.
“I am sure my boys will be giving their 100 per cent to get the three points,” he said.
Gzira’s experienced defender Rodolfo Soares said the match against Valletta is certainly a big game.
“Such matches are always big. It will be very tough for both teams, but I simply hope we will manage to do well to remain on top. We have prepared well for it and I am sure we will be giving our 100 per cent,” he added.
Soares also said that despite being still early in the competition, he believes that tonight’s winners will surely be fighting for the league title till the very end. “And we believe we can do the job requested of us,” he added.
City’s international defender Joseph Zerafa said: “This match is very important for us. We need an 8th consecutive win to make sure of being on top of the standings this evening, although we are also aware that this is no do or die match.
“We cannot forget that we are not alone in chasing Valletta. Even Hibernians are doing well and working silently.
But looking at Gzira, they must be congratulated. Last year’s third place was no fluke and they are confirming it this season. They worked well in the summer months and brought in the right players for the positions which needed to be strengthened.
Above all, no match is easy. All teams nowadays are able to give any opponent a strong challenge. But with the arrival of Bojan Kaljevic and Mario Fontanella, we have improved considerably.
Abdilla also said that only Zachary Scerri will be unavailable as he is suspended, but Andrew Cohen is expected to be included from the start.
On his part, Doncic said Kaljevic is now available following his injury, but he could not say whether he will be 100 per cent fit to start the game. runners.
Both teams are coming from impressive wins: Hibernians beat Mosta 4-0, while Birkirkara defeated Sliema Wanderers 2-0.
The other matches this weekend are:
Hamrun S.-Senglea Ath.; Tarxien R.-Balzan; St Andrews-Pieta H.; Sliema W.-Qormi and Floriana-Mosta.
Today
Bank of Valletta Premier League 7pm Gzira U.-Valletta.
Bank of Valletta first division 7pm Naxxar L.-Mqabba
Bank of Valletta first division 7pm Qrendi-Vittoriosa S.
Bank of Valletta second division 6pm Rabat Ajax-Luqa SA 8.15pm Melita-St Venera L.
Tomorrow
Bank of Valletta Premier League 2pm Hamrun S.-Senglea A. 4.15pm Tarxien R.-Balzan
Bank of Valletta Premier League 2pm St Andrews-Pieta H. 4pm Sliema W.-Qormi
Bank of Valletta first division 2pm Lija Ath.-Swieqi U. 4.15pm Sirens-San Gwann
Bank of Valletta second division 2pm Marsaxlokk-Kalkara 4.15pm Mgarr U.-Zabbar SP.
Bank of Valletta third division 2pm Mtarfa-Msida SJ 4.15pm Gharghur-Ghaxaq
Sunday
Bank of Valletta Premier League 2pm Floriana-Mosta
4pm Hibernians-Birkirkara
Bank of Valletta first division 1pm Marsa-Zebbug R. 3.15pm Sta. Lucia-Pembroke 5.30pm Zejtun C.-Gudja U.
Bank of Valletta second division 2pm Mellieha-St George’s 4.15pm Siggiewi-B’Buga SP.
Bank of Valletta third division 2pm Mdina K.-Xghajra T. 4.15pm Ta’ Xbiex-Attard
Bank of Valletta third division 2pm Dingli S.-Kirkop 4.15pm Zurrieq-Marsaskala