Naxxar Lions and Balzan have one last opportunity to avoid direct relegation from the 360 Sports Malta Premier when they face off in their Bottom Six clash at the National Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off: 5pm).
At present, Melita are the only team assured of being involved in a relegation play-off, as they are bottom of the standings on 10 points.
Heading into the final round of matches, two teams are looking to avoid finishing second-from-bottom, namely Naxxar Lions, who have 19 points, and Balzan on 16 points.
Gżira, who face Melita, are already sure of playing in the Premier League next season, while Naxxar and Balzan play against each other with their fate firmly in their hands.
The Lions only need to avoid defeat against Balzan to ensure they will be engaged in a relegation play-off against Melita, but coach George Vella has called on his players to keep their calm and approach the match with the same attitude as any other game.
“It is indeed a very important match in our quest to reach our goal of retaining our place in the Premier League for another season,” Vella told the Times of Malta.
“Nothing is decided tomorrow, as our first objective is to seal a place in the relegation play-off. I am doing everything in my power to keep the players calm and try and play at the best of our ability, and then we’ll see what happens.
“It’s useless putting a lot of pressure on our clan as it can only have a negative effect.
“Every game has its story with a lot of episodes that can affect the final outcome. The only thing I want from my players is to take the pitch fully motivated and give their 100 per cent.”
Vella said that Naxxar have a mixed record against Balzan this season but is not approaching the match with any apprehension.
“I am approaching the match with no fear,” Vella said.
“I know how much our team has grown in recent weeks, and I have full faith in my players to complete the job.
“If on the day, Balzan turn out to be the better side and we end up losing the match because we’re not good enough, then I will be the first to congratulate them.”
Vella confirmed that he has a full squad available as defender Bacary Sane and winger Maicon both recovered from injuries suffered in the 2-0 win over Gżira United.
Balzan, on their part, have little margin for error as they need to beat Naxxar Lions at all costs to avoid relegation.
Coach Andrew Cohen said that his team has to play two ‘finals’ if they are to survive and is glad that they are responsible for their destiny.
“Our situation is clear, we have the chance to play two matches and victory in both games will see us remain in the Premier League,” Cohen said.
“Our destiny is firmly in our hands and we don’t depend on anyone other than us. Looking at our performances in recent weeks, I feel the team has come a long way. We have lost just two matches from the last 11 played, against Sliema and Ħamrun Spartans, and defensively we have improved a lot.
“Our main problem was scoring goals but in our last outings we seem to have shown better cutting edge in front of goal so we are looking forward to this challenge.”
Cohen admitted that injuries to some key players, such as Triston Caruana, have left a negative effect on the team.
“We lost some key players along the way such as Triston Caruana, Marcus Ndombasi and Isaac Westendorf, for a long period and that have made it difficult for us.
“Added to that, tomorrow we will be without our captain, Samir Arab, who is suspended.
“But despite all these problems, the most encouraging thing about this group of players is that there is a lot of unity among the players, and that is not very common to find in teams that are struggling for results.
“We are aware that we are facing a very tough challenge against a Naxxar Lions side who after we beat them 3-0, everyone said that they would be relegated.
“But after our match, they went on to pick up 19 points, so it won’t be easy.
“It’s a massive challenge for us but we will be ready.”
PROGRAMME
PLAYING ON SATURDAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Balzan vs Naxxar 17.00
TONY BEZZINA STADUM
Melita vs Gżira Utd 17.00
PLAYING SUNDAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 18.00
MONDAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Floriana vs Ħamrun S. 19.15
