Ħamrun Spartans are set for another major challenge this weekend when the defending champions take on Birkirkara while Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk will be eyeing top spot when MatchDay Four is played between Friday and Sunday.
The 360 Sports Malta Premier Closing Round is turning out to be a very tight battle with all teams capable of defeating each other, making the race for a Top Six berth a fascinating prospect.
The clash of the weekend is undoubtedly the one between leaders Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara, scheduled for the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday, that brings against each other two teams that are vying for the top spot in the Closing Round.
Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara are both coming from somewhat frustrating results last weekend and will be determined to get back to winning ways and try and steal a march on their rivals.
The Spartans are currently leading the way on seven points and last weekend were left frustrated as they were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Floriana, in a game where maybe they didn’t produce their best football but had opportunities to win the three points.
Coach Alessandro Zinnari made it clear that he was not happy with how his players performed against Floriana, particularly when having the ball on their feet and will be hopeful they can rediscover their verve when facing a Birkirkara side who will surely turn out to be tough opponents tomorrow.
Birkirkara will surely be keen to get back to winning ways after two disappointing outings which saw them drop precious points against ten-man Gżira United and Melita last week.
One factor that must have frustrated coach Stefano De Angelis was his team’s failure to take the chances that came their way, particularly against Melita, and will be aware that they can’t afford such profligacy against the Spartans.
Prior to this clash, Marsaxlokk and Sliema Wanderers, currently tied on six points in second place, will have the opportunity to take sole leadership at least for 24 hours when they open proceedings on MatchDay 4 on Friday evening.
Marsaxlokk will start as clear favourites to secure their third successive win when they take on struggling Balzan this evening.
The Southerners, after their opening day drubbing against Ħamrun Spartans, seem to have found their rhythm and inspired by the goalscoring prowess of the Alex De Aguiar will fancy their chances of seeing off a struggling Balzan side and take sole leadership in the standings.
Balzan need a quick turnaround in fortunes after last week’s disappointing performance which saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat to Żabbar St Patrick and will be without two key players in Henri Stanic and Rafael Floro who saw red in last week’s match.
Tricky clash
The Wanderers will be involved in a tricky clash against Hibernians at the National Stadium on Friday.
Paul Zammit’s Blues are looking to step up a gear in terms of performances and following back-to- back wins over Naxxar Lions and Mosta will be hopeful of sending a real statement with victory over Hibernians.
The Paolites continue to blow hot and cold as after their spirited performance in the 2-1 defeat against Ħamrun Spartans, they looked well-short of any inspiration in a disappointing defeat to Marsaxlokk last weekend.
Coach Branko Nisevic will surely expect a strong response from his players against the Wanderers and should have forward Alex Bruno back available.
Gżira United will be looking to make it two wins in a row when on Saturday they face Melita while on Sunday, Floriana face a tricky test against a resurging Żabbar St Patrick side while Mosta face neighbouring rivals Naxxar.
