The Meridianbet FA Trophy takes centre stage in midweek as the Last 16 matches will be played between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ħamrun Spartans and Naxxar Lions will be the first Premier League sides to be in action in this round when they face Challenge League opposition in the form of Fgura United and Swieqi United, respectively.
The Spartans, who knocked out Victoria Hotspurs in the previous round, should find few problems to proceed to the quarter-final stage of the competition at the expense of Fgura United.
On the other hand, Naxxar Lions will do well not to underestimate their opponents today, Swieqi United, after the latter produced the biggest upset of the previous round when knocking out Sliema Wanderers.
The Lions seem to have found a good rhythm under new coach Winston Muscat and will surely fancy themselves to reach the quarter-finals, but they surely need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to avoid any unwanted setbacks.
Wednesday’s programme will provide more tasty ties with two all Premier League ties on the agenda.
Floriana face a tricky route to the quarter-finals when they take on Żabbar St Patrick at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.
The Greens have shown remarkable consistency this season, and their recent performances show that they start as firm favourites to progress, as they tend to always produce just enough to see off their opponents, as happened in the previous round against Marsaxlokk.
Coach Daniel Portela might be tempted to bring in some fringe players into his starting formation, in a bid to give a breather to those players who played many matches this season.
Żabbar, on the other hand, have yet to show some much-needed consistency this season as the southerners are yet to convince with their performances despite the sound investment made by the club this season.
A clash against Floriana should be a good opportunity for their players to show that they are capable of matching the best teams, but they must be at more than 100 per cent to upset Floriana.
Valletta, too, will have to overcome Premier League opposition on Wednesday to prolong their run in the competition when they face Tarxien Rainbows.
The Citizens have been showing an impressive dose of defensive solidity in recent weeks and will fancy their chances to see off Tarxien Rainbows and book their place in the last eight of the competition.
New signing
Valletta are likely to bring in Portuguese forward Diogo Tavares to their starting formation, particularly given that he is currently serving a six-match ban in the Malta Premier League.
Coach Thane Micallef could also give a run-out to new signing Ahmed Adebayo, provided his registration was completed in time.
The Nigerian forward was announced as Valletta’s new signing yesterday and given his characteristics, he looks like the perfect replacement of Jefferson Assis, who left the club last month.
Adebayo is a very powerful forward who should provide much-needed physicality to the team’s forward line.
“Valletta FC is pleased to announce the signing of 23-year-old Nigerian striker Ahmed Adebayo, joining the Club on loan from Norwegian side IK Start,” the Premier League club said in a statement.
“Ahmed brings a dynamic edge to our attacking line. Known for his incredible physical presence and clinical instinct in front of goal, he is a powerhouse addition to the squad.
“Ahmed is ready to fight for the badge and bring that extra fire to the squad.”
Adebayo is the third forward to join Valletta this month, following the arrival of Portuguese striker Tavares and Stijn Meiner, formerly of Ħamrun Spartans.
Meanwhile, given that the competition is entering its final stages, the Malta FA announced that Football Video Support will be put in place for the remaining rounds.
“This follows the successful implementation of the FVS system in the Malta FA Jubilee Cup, together with the YoHealth Malta Premier,” the MFA said in a statement.
“So far, the FVS system has been used in 38 matches, with 76 challenges being made. This subsequently prompted 17 decisions to be changed, amounting to 22.4% of challenges, while eight goals were disallowed, an average of a goal every 9.5 matches.
“David Elleray, Technical Director at the International Football Association Board, who is closely following all the trials, recently visited the Malta FA and noted that he is positively pleased with the progress and implementation of the system, together with the results achieved.
“The FVS system will be used from the Meridianbet FA Trophy’s Round of 16 and onwards.
“Given that the FVS system will also be used by a number of BOV Challenge League teams during these rounds, all teams were briefed about the system over the past days to make sure that they are fully knowledgeable on how it works.”
The Malta FA said that it will continue to cover all of the costs related to the FVS system in competitions it organises, including the Meridianbet FA Trophy and the BOV Super Cup.
PROGRAMME
TODAY
CENTENARY STADIUM
Ħamrun S. vs Fgura 18.15
Swieqi vs Naxxar L. 20.45
TEDESCO STADIUM
Żurrieq vs Birżebbuġa SP 20.45
TOMORROW
TONY BEZZINA STADIUM
Floriana vs Żabbar SP 18.00
CENTENARY STADIUM
Tarxien R. vs Valletta 18.00
Mġarr Utd vs Mosta 20.45
