Marsaxlokk take on Hibernians in direct clash
Birkirkara, Marsaxlokk and Hibernians face a decisive day in their quest for a Top berth as the three Premier League sides face a must-win scenario when they play their final match of the YoHealth Malta Premier Opening Phase on Saturday evening.
Birkirkara, who are currently sitting in sixth place on 16 points, face a must-win scenario to at least hold on to their placing when they take on Malta champions Ħamrun Spartans at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
Marsaxlokk, currently fifth on 17 points, face a direct clash against seventh-placed Hibernians, who are three points behind, with the winner of this match making the cut.
Birkirkara head into their clash against Ħamrun Spartans in fine fettle, following their convincing 4-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows in midweek.
Portuguese striker Asumah Abubakar-Ankrah was the catalyst for the Stripes when netting all four goals and the Stripes their new signing will again leave his mark against the Spartans.
Coach Gianluca Festa said that it’s time for his team to step up and show that they really deserve a place in the Top Six with a strong performance against the champions.
“This is the time to step up as we play all our chances in this match against Ħamrun Spartans,” Festa said.
“We are indeed facing a very strong side, but we are also aware of how crucial it is to win these three points if we are to qualify for the Top Six.
“On Saturday, it’s vital that we see the best version of Birkirkara against Ħamrun Spartans. I have not been here for a very long time and I am still getting to know my players, their character and still working to implement my football philosophy.
“But against Tarxien Rainbows, I saw a good reaction from the players and we were focused right from the start, and we need to repeat that against Ħamrun.”
“It’s all about how we approach the match. I we don’t approach the game with the right attitude, focus and discipline, we will commit costly mistakes that will hinder our progress.”
Birkirkara player Manuel Morello said that all the players are aware of the importance behind today’s match.
“Ħamrun are a strong side, but so are we,” Morello said.
“We started the season with a new squad, and it takes time to build familiarity and understanding among the players.
We must keep building on the solid performance and the win we achieved on Tuesday against Tarxien Rainbows.
“Our game plan is always to win, that’s our mindset. The club, the fans, everyone is pushing us to get a good result.
“We want to win for them, especially in such an important match against Ħamrun, but also for our league objectives and to secure a Top Six position.”
For the Spartans, today’s match is an opportunity to close in on joint-leaders Floriana and Valletta who they trail by three points.
The Italian coach said that his team’s fixture pile-up is a major concern, said that their biggest challenge was to make a full physical recovery from one match to the other and hailed his players’ professionalism.
“We’re playing every three days, week after week. It’s not an ideal situation for a coach, so we must create the best possible conditions for recovery,” Modica said.
“For some it might be pointless, for us it means a lot to have some breathing space in between matches.
“Recovery is as important as any other part of our preparation.
“Being physically and tactically ready for each match is fundamental.
“My players have responded very well, their professionalism is second to none, and I have full trust in them.
“That’s the reality we’re working in, and we must continue in this way.
“This team has set a benchmark, it’s made up of players who all feel important and believe they are regulars, and that mentality is exactly what we want.”
On his part, midfielder Matias Garcia echoed his coach’s sentiments on the challenge to take care of their fitness amid a congested fixture.
“Playing in the Conference League is a great experience for us players, but at the same time it is very demanding from a physical point of view,” the former Floriana midfielder said.
“One has to consider that it’s not just playing the match, but we have to contend with long travel, short recovery times, and playing a game every three days makes it a real challenge.
“Our focus now is the match against Birkirkara. Birkirkara are a good team with quality players.
It’s a big game for the fans, and although we’re already in the top six, we’ll give our best to win and close the gap with the teams above us.”
Modica is sure to be without two key players as midfielder Eder, who was sent off against Floriana, must serve a three-match ban while forward N’Dri Koffi is also out as he picked up his fourth booking against the Greens and was handed a one-match suspension.
