The 360 Sports Malta Premier is set to provide some decisive verdicts this weekend as the leading four teams in the Top Six will face each other between today and Monday.
Nobody could have imagined a tighter race for the leading spots in the Top Six with Sliema Wanderers leading the way on 23 points, one ahead of Ħamrun Spartans with Marsaxlokk and Floriana in third place a further point back.
This afternoon leaders Sliema Wanderers will take Marsaxlokk at the National Stadium (kick-off: 1.45pm) while the Spartans face Floriana on Monday at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The clash between Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk brings against each other two teams that have grown considerably in the second part of the 2024-25 season.
Sliema Wanderers look like a rejuvenated side under the charge of Paul Zammit as impressive victories Floriana and Birkirkara has shot them to the top of the standings and further underlined their claims of genuine title challengers.
Paul Zammit has lauded his team’s character in recent weeks but has made it clear that he is not underestimating the threat posed Marsaxlokk who he described as very dangerous opponents.
“This group of players has been outstanding,” Zammit said.
“They’ve shown great character during the difficult times we passed through during January and February but we managed to come back stronger.
“We understand in our current situation that it’s harder to stay at the top than to get there. Every match is a battle, and we’re not thinking about the final four or the end of the season, we’re only focused on Marsaxlokk as every game now carries more weight.
“Marsaxlokk deserve credit for the way they’ve bounced back and made it into the Top 6.
“They were underrated earlier in the season, but coach Enzo Potenza has done a brilliant job. He’s a tactical genius who lifted the team out of a difficult period.
“I expect a top quality match, at this stage, as every detail matters.”
Mohammed Awad has emerged in recent weeks as one of the inspirational figures in the Sliema side, producing key goals and assists in his team’s rise to the top of the standings.
The Somali forward says that he is grateful at the huge support from his team-mates and is determined to keep his team maintain their title push.
“The past months were not the best for us but we’ve stuck to our style of play and always believed things would turn around,” Awad said.
“This weekend, both Sliema and Marsaxlokk have something to fight for, it’s going to be crucial.
“As one of the key players in this squad, I feel confident. The coaching staff and my teammates believe in me, and I do my best to help the team.
“We’re taking it step by step, and our focus right now is fully on Marsaxlokk.”
Marsaxlokk head into the match on the back of a damaging defeat to Floriana last weekend but Italian coach Enzo Potenza has not lost his faith on his players and is backing them to turn on the style against Sliema and clinch what would be three very important points.
“Sliema are a very good side,” Enzo Potenza said.
“If we play well, we know that we can be a good challenge for every team, but every match is difficult. It’s always a battle that requires full focus and determination.
“It was the same last Sunday against Floriana. It was a game that we could have easily won but costly mistakes in defence cost us dearly.
“Now we need to stick to our philosophy and we move forward for what it looks like being a tough match against Sliema Wanderers.”
Potenza heaped praise on his counter-part Zammit.
“I really like the way Sliema play under coach Paul Zammit,” Potenza said.
“They play attractive football and it’s going to be a tough match on Saturday. The key challenges will be finding space and transitions, these are the characteristics that define matches at this level in the Top 6.
“We must ensure to be fully focused in all departments over the 90 minutes to get the result we desire, and proceed in our journey with a positive mindset and attitude till the end.”
On his part, Marsaxlokk captain Niki fully believes his team has all the ability to go on and challenge for the title.
“I believe we could be able to go for the title as long as we are in the mix with the rest of the title challengers,” Muscat said.
“These are decisive matches, and we’re focusing on our own games. Our main aim is to qualify for Europe, but we’ll give the title a real go.
“We had a poor start to the season, but we bounced back and went 11 games unbeaten.
“We are all aware that the administration has built a team strong enough to compete at the top. We hope to make it into the final four, and take it from there.”
