Valletta v Birkirkara promises to be an exciting encounter

This weekend’s top Premier League clash at Ta’ Qali promises to be an exciting encounter with both teams in search of points and consistency for various reasons.

It is a fact that the two sides are passing through a good moment at present, especially Valletta who have gone 11 matches without defeat. And that shows that they are the most consistent teams during the past two months or so.

City coach Darren Abdilla said yesterday that he expects Birkirkara to provide very stiff opposition.

He said: “They had a somewhat disappointing start to the season, but under coach Andre Paus, they seem to have settled down well and there is no doubt that they have one of the strongest squads in the competition. I believe they can beat any team.”

Abdilla spoke on Valletta’s excellent recovery, having been eight points behind Floriana at one time.

“Now we are at par, but it is only the merit of the whole squad, and not just the players are on the field of play. In fact, my biggest headache is the selection of the team, because there is a very big competition between all the players to earn their place in the starting formation,” he added.

Birkirkara assistant coach Jonathan Holland said he felt the squad is playing with more confidence now and the team seems to have overcome the crisis that hit the club during the opening months of the season.

He said: “We are aware we have a strong squad. After that disappointing period where we lost precious points which we should have won, we can now concentrate on the remaining matches and the FA Trophy with a lot more tranquillity. The two recent arrivals should help us maintain our improvement. Defender Claudio Bonanni has already showed that he has integrated well into our system.

“If we continue on this track, we might even obtain a target which seemed impossible until a few weeks ago.”

DEPLETED BALZAN

Balzan will have to face Gzira United with a depleted formation tomorrow.

While Andrij Majdevac and Alexsandar Kosoric are no longer on their books having moved abroad, they will also have to play without two key players – goalkeeper Kristjan Naumovski and midfielder Uros Ljubomirac – both ruled out through suspension.

Assistant coach Vladimir Simovic told the press that it will be a difficult match for Balzan. “Gzira are still in the running for the title and I expect them to try and take advantage of our situation.

Despite everything, we will be going out to win the game as we try to bounce back after a series of disappointing results which left us in mid-table.

“First and foremost we have to focus on avoiding mistakes and we also have to show the strength and character of our squad,” he said.

Gzira were not represented by anyone for the news conference.