Valletta will be bidding to keep alive their hopes of winning silverware as well as a route to European football when they face Marsaxlokk in the opening tie of the weekend on Saturday at 2pm.
The Citizens will fancy their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy but Valletta coach Danilo Doncic is not underestimating the threat posed by Marsaxlokk, who have just sealed their spot in the Premier League next season after winning promotion from the Challenge League, and has urged his players not to take anything for granted.
Video: Matthew Mirabelli
“We are heading into this Cup tie in fine fettle,” Valetta coach Danilo Doncic said.
“Our form lately has improved consistently, particularly in the last three matches. But that is no guarantee of success as we are facing a tricky Marsaxlokk team who have some good quality players and are on a high after winning promotion.
“In Cup ties, matches are decided over 90 minutes and only those who perform better on the day will progress,s so we need to be ready and take nothing for granted.
“The FA Trophy is not only an opportunity for our club to win silverware but also a place in Europe and we have to give it our best shot.”
Marsaxlokk may have little pressure on their shoulders this weekend, but coach Pablo Doffo said that his team will be relishing the prospect of causing another upset after they ousted Sliema Wanderers in the previous round.
“Our club has been in jubilant mood in the last few days after winning promotion to the Premier League,” Doffo said.
“For us to have the possibility to face a club like Valletta in the FA Trophy is a nice opportunity. Although we know that it’s not going to be easy for ħ we will try and give it our best shot.
“Even if we have just one per cent chance of winning, we are going to do everything we can to continue our stunning run.”
