Coach Abdilla eyes consistency as Gżira United face tricky Gudja United test

Gżira United  will be looking to extend their bright start to the season as the Premier League returns this evening with the opening two matches from Match Day 2.

The Maroons, fresh from their opening-day win over Santa Lucia, will be looking to make it two wins out of two when they face Gudja United in the opening match of the day at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 6.30pm).

The match is set to be a tricky test for the Maroons who are looking to build on their bright showing against Sta Lucia but are aware that Gudja may turn out to be a difficult opponent this evening.

“As I always say there are never any easy matches and I’m expecting a very tricky test from Gudja United,” Gżira United coach Darren Abdilla said.

“I had the opportunity to analyse them and they have built a very interesting team that plays 3-4-3 and who base a lot on their three forwards. The majority of their players have experience in playing in the Premier League so they are a settled team.

“It will be important for us to show them the respect they deserve but more importantly to approach the match with the right frame of mind and attitude.

“For us, it’s important that we take all three points to keep our consistency which will be crucial if we are to be among the challengers for the main honours.”

Gudja on their part have kickstarted their league campaign with an eye-catching 2-1 win over Mosta in Andrea Agostinelli’s first match in charge of the southerners.

The Gudja coach is under no illusion of the huge task awaits his players against a Gżira United side who are in great form after their eye-catching performances in the UEFA Conference League where they reached the third qualifying round.

“It’s going to be a very difficult match for us,” Agostinelli said.

“Gżira United is a very solid squad who have showed its value in Europe this summer and we need to find a way to confront them.

“I was pleased with the effort shown by my players against Mosta and it’s important that we continue to build on that. Our team spirit has been excellent since day one and we need to continue to strengthen that aspect as it’s a key aspect when matches take a difficult turn.

“Gżira have a very strong offensive line and our main goal is to try and keep their forwards quiet if we are to have any chance of coming away with a positive result.

“But I have great faith in the players and if they follow our plan we can give them a good run for their money.”