The second phase of the YoHealth Malta Premier League Opening Phase is set for an explosive start as rivals Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta will go head to head at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4pm).
At present, Valletta and Ħamrun Spartans are sharing second spot in the standings, one point adrift of leaders Floriana, and both are determined to pick up maximum points as they look to keep up the pressure on the Greens.
For the Spartans, today’s derby against Valletta marks the start of a crucial week which will see them face Valletta twice, once in the league and in the Jubilee Cup, and face Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps in a must-win UEFA Conference League clash at the National Stadium on Thursday.
Coach Giacomo Modica said that the return of the national team players in a positive frame of mind added more tranquility to his camp and is hopeful that the same combative attitude against Valletta this afternoon.
“The national team players returned to the club in high spirits after Malta’s win against Finland and their excellent display against Poland,” Modica said.
“I expect they will preserve the same positive attitude this weekend, where we are set for a very tough match. Valletta are a club with great history and tradition and they’re performing well this season and deserve full respect.
“We cannot afford to think about the upcoming Conference League fixture against Lincoln Red Imps.
“If we take Saturday’s match lightly, we will pay the price. Valletta have shown that they can compete with any of the top sides. From now on, it’s like a new competition, more intense.”
On his part, Ħamrun Spartans wing back Ryan Camenzuli is backing his side against the capital club and said that he expects the team to resume where they left off before the international break, where they recorded victories against Birkirkara and Floriana.
“We know the big rivalry that exists between the two clubs and what this match means for our fans,” Camenzuli said.
“During the international break, the team kept working hard, and now we’re in good shape to go for the three points on Saturday.
“As the season progresses, we’ve shown character in the big matches. Valletta have quality, and we respect the work they’ve done so far.
At Ħamrun, we have a solid squad, and when we are at our best, it’s very difficult for any opponent to beat us.
In the next few days, we face three important games, two against Valletta and one against Lincoln. If we play to our full potential, we know we have every chance to get the results we want.
“We’re well aware of Valletta’s strengths; you simply can’t give them any space or time to play.”
On his part, Valletta coach Thane Micallef said that his team are ready for the challenge of facing the Malta champions.
He admitted that the team has learnt from their defeat to Żabbar SP before the international break and is confident that if they are at their best they can secure all three points.
“All our efforts are directed toward Saturday’s game,” Micallef said.
“We know Ħamrun’s strength, but we also believe in our own qualities. I see the effort my players give in training every day, and I trust that if we show the best version of ourselves, we can come away with the three points.
“The gap between teams in this league is very small. In the defeat against Żabbar, we didn’t perform to our usual standard and paid the price.
“When you don’t give your maximum, you risk losing against anyone, because every team can be strong on the day.
“We’ve used that defeat as motivation, turning it into positive energy for the Ħamrun match. I’m confident in my players and in a strong reaction and performance on Saturday.”
Steve Borg will be facing his former team for the second time this season and says that he is treating it as any other match. He believes that the team that will commit the smallest number of points will prevail today.
“For me, personally, it’s just another match, even though I spent three and a half seasons with Ħamrun,” he said.
“Every game has its own challenges, and we know how competitive the Malta Premier has become. The team that makes fewer mistakes on Saturday will win.
“As a former Ħamrun player, I have great respect for both clubs. I spent nine years with Valletta, winning everything, and Hamrun also showed great faith in me, for which I’m always grateful.
“But today, I’m a Valletta player, and my focus is entirely on helping my current team win.
“I’m happy with the setup, the environment, and the commitment of everyone in the dressing room, we’re giving our all in terms of grit and passion to reach our season objectives.”
