Gudja United look to extend positive start against Żebbuġ Rangers

Gudja United will be looking to extend their excellent start to their Premier League campaign when they face newly-promoted Żebbuġ Rangers at the Centenary Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off: 6.30pm).

The southerners have been one of the revelations so far this season as they have turned out to be a very solid outfit and are still unbeaten after the opening three matches.

In fact, Andrea Agostinelli will surely be delighted with the effort put in by his players so far as Gudja have managed overcome the challenge of Mosta (2-1) and Balzan (1-0) and played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against title challengers Gżira United.

The club’s decision to preserve the majority of the squad they had last season has certainly helped them to enjoy a fast start to this campaign and the additions of experienced personnel such as Vito Plut, Johann Bezzina and Andres Prates turned them into a very tough side to beat.

In their last outing against Balzan last weekend, Gudja United showed great tactical organisation.

After taking an early lead through Bezzina, his second successive strike in the league this season, they managed to weather Balzan’s late rally to secure three important points that lifted them to third  place in the standings on seven points, just two behind Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara with a maximum nine points after three matches.

On Friday evening they will fancy their chances of securing another three vital points against the newly-promoted Żebbuġ that would lift them, at least temporarily, to the top of the Premier League standings.

However, their task will be anything but plainsailing as they face a Żebbuġ side who are also in high spirits at the moment.

In fact, the Rangers after their gallant display in a 2-1 defeat to leaders Birkirkara, finally recorded their first win in the top-flight this season when they had the better of Sta Lucia last weekend.

That success is likely to inject some much-needed belief in the Żebbuġ clan that they are capable of having their say in the battle against relegation.

Both teams are expected to be at full strength to ensure a thrilling duel for the spectators present.