Floriana and Birkirkara will battle for top spot in the Closing Round when the two rivals clash at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off: 7pm).
At present, the Greens are enjoying a two-point lead over Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk with just two matches till the end of the Closing Round first phase and a win for either side will lift them to the top of the standings before the final programme at the end of March.
Floriana are in rude health having won three and drawn two of their last five league matches while Birkirkara have also notched three wins, one draw and one defeat in recent weeks.
This season, Floriana and Birkirkara have met twice in the league, with the Greens always emerging victorious.
However, Darren Abdilla, the Floriana coach, said that he expects to face a completely different Birkirkara side on Wednesday evening.
“Birkirkara are a different version from the last time we faced them,” Abdilla said.
“They’re even more motivated now, not just to win, but to stop us from winning the Closing Round and be declared champions.
“I expect a very different game this time from the previous couple of matches where we managed to get the win. If we can avoid a title decider or the final four, even better.”
Asked whether he feels any form of pressure at this stage of the season, given that all the teams in the division are desperate to finish ahead of the Greens, Abdilla was quite frank in his reply.
“Pressure is a privilege,” the former Gżira United coach said.
“Teams that don’t have pressure are mid-table sides with no real objectives. But for us, this pressure doesn’t faze us.
“The table doesn’t lie, we want to finish on top, and we know what we need to do to maintain our current position.
“The team is solid in all areas. I believe that while attack wins you games, a solid defence wins you titles.
“However, if you had to ask me what is our major strength, the answer is quite straightforward, our team unity.
“It’s not always easy to manage a team when you have 20 players who are all good enough to start, but the dressing room is strong, and that has helped us progress.”
On his part, Floriana goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi is taking nothing foregranted despite seeing his team leading the standings in the Closing Round after also playing a leading role in the Opening Round. The Congo goalkeeper says there is still work to do for his team-mates and himself if they are to win the title.
““There’s still a long way to go with seven finals remaining but Wednesday is a big battle,” Mafoumbi said.
“You always aim to play in these high-stakes games, and with them just two points behind us, it makes this clash even bigger.
“Competition in the squad pushes you to train harder and perform at the best of your ability when it matters most and these are the matches we are working hard for.”
On the other hand, Birkirkara seem to be gelling well into a competitive unit after making a lot of signings during the January transfer window.
He said that Birkirkara will take Floriana lightly and he is aware that his team will have to step up their game by a few notches if they are to overcome Floriana.
“With 10 new foreign players in the squad we knew at the beginning of this campaign it will be tough, however the team has gelled well, and helped us in our progress,” De Angelis said.
“Both Floriana and ourselves are in good form, and it will be a great game between two top teams.
“Every team in this league can cause problems, and every match is a challenge.
“There’s a fine balance in the competition, so you can’t afford to underestimate anyone.
“We were disappointed with the result against Marsaxlokk, but after previously playing 120 minutes against Valletta in the cup, the physical fatigue was somewhat expected.
“Now, we need to bounce back and reclaim our spot at the top. Wednesday’s 90 minutes will be a tactical battle, and a single moment could decide the match.
“From now on, mental intensity is crucial as we enter the decisive stage of the season.
“We need to play with the same intensity and mental strength that have been key to our positive results throughout the campaign.”
Birkirkara will be boosted by the return of Alex Satariano who has been the team’s top performer this season despite being deployed in a new position for him in central midfield.
“This team helps me a lot, which allows me to contribute even more to the squad,” Satariano said.
“Missing two games was tough, especially sitting out the cup game against Valletta, it’s always a fixture you want to play in.
“I like this league format because it gives us more games. Playing 32 matches makes it much more enjoyable.
“There’s added motivation ahead of Wednesday fixture because this match can put us in an even stronger position.
“I hate losing, so any extra incentive fuels our determination, this game is the perfect opportunity to rise to the occasion and showcase our true potential.
“Our mentality is key, we must play with intensity, pressing high and defending from the front.”
