Fierce rivals Floriana and Valletta eye bragging rights in first derby of the season

Two of Malta’s biggest football rivals will go head to head when Valletta face neighbours Floriana in the plum fixture of MatchDay 4 of the YoHealth Malta Premier League at the National Stadium on Tuesday (kick-off: 6.45pm).

There is a great rivalry between Valletta and Floriana and both teams will be determined to leave the National Stadium with all three points in their bag and maintain their positive start to the season.

Floriana head into the match following Saturday’s disappointing draw against Gżira United, which saw them drop their first points of the season.

Coach Daniel Portela is aware of the importance of the fixture for the club’s fans but admitted having two play a second match in the space of three days is not ideal.

“All matches are different to each other and all teams can be tough to beat,” Portela said.

“The derby between Valletta and Floriana is a historical one, but at the end of the day, there are only three points at stake.

“We know Valletta are a strong side, but we must show more fighting spirit than we did in our last match against Gżira and I hope our performance in this game will be better.

“The result on Tuesday is important for the fans, but there are still many matches left.

“The mental side is even more important than the physical, especially with recovery being tough when we play every three days.

“This match against Valletta is a new challenge for us, and I hope we can achieve a positive result.”

On his part, team skipper Dunstan Vella said that the players were focused to improve on their performance against Gżira United.

“We started the championship with two wins, and although we dropped points against Gżira, we still did quite well.

“Our team is still new and has gained valuable European experience, but now we’re fully focused on Tuesday’s match against Valletta, which is very important and we will do all we can to get the three points.”

Valletta head into the match on the back of a fine performance in a 3-1 win over Marsaxlokk and coach Thane Micallef wants to see more of the same from his players.

“After our performances against Birkirkara and Ħamrun, we became more determined, and that grit helped us secure a well-deserved three points against Marsaxlokk.

“On Tuesday, it will be our fourth match, but we understand the value a match against Floriana carries for our fans.

“Their support gives us extra motivation to deliver another strong performance.

“I want to thank our fans who were always behind us last season, and now it’s time for us to repay them with good performances and positive results, starting tomorrow.”

Midfielder Yannik Yankam was delighted with the team’s performances so far and is confident Valletta will enjoy a positive campaign.

“Playing for Valletta always comes with extra pressure, but both I, the coach, and the entire squad are determined to get results,” he said.

“The spirit in the dressing room is very good, and I believe we have quality across all departments.

“I’m positive that we can have a great season.”