The YoHealth Malta Premier sees no stopping as all 12 top-flight sides will be back in action in midweek with some fascinating matches that will have a lot of bearing on the race for a Top Six berth in the Closing Round.
The midweek programme is full of exciting duels with top four sides in the division going against each other, with joint-leaders Gżira United and Floriana taking on their nearest rivals Ħamrun Spartans and Valletta, respectively.
Another derby is in store when Naxxar Lions face neighbouring rivals Mosta, while Paul Zammit will make his first appearance as Birkirkara coach when he leads the Stripes against Tarxien Rainbows tonight.
Match Week 20 gets underway with a blockbuster clash at the Victor Tedesco Stadium between leaders Gżira United and Ħamrun Spartans.
The Maroons have been, without doubt, the biggest revelation of the Closing Round as Darren Abdilla’s side have won all three matches played and look strong contender for at least a Top Six berth.
It’s clear that for Gżira United, facing Ħamrun Spartans at their own Victor Tedesco Stadium will be their biggest challenge, and Darren Abdilla has called on his players to keep their focus levels high to ensure they secure another positive result against the Malta champions.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” Abdilla told Times of Malta.
“However, I believe that if we stay focused on our football principles, and remain organised and tactically disciplined as well as playing with the same mentality and intensity of the last few matches, I’m sure that we will get a positive result.
“I am really proud of my players for the great consistency they have been showing in recent weeks. The players are understanding more what I expect from them and are showing a great attitude. Naturally, there is always room for improvement, but we are on the right path.”
Abdilla will be without two key players for today’s match as Mihajlo Stojanovic and Fabrice Virgens are out due to suspension.
Ħamrun Spartans head into the clash against Gżira United in fine fettle after they overcame Sliema Wanderers 2-0 last Saturday.
After topping the Opening Round, the Spartans are determined to retain their crown by placing first in the Closing Round, too.
But coach Giacomo Modica is not taking the challenge of facing Gżira United lightly and is expecting another challenging encounter.
“To play after only two days of your last match is also very challenging but we need to adapt to the situation,” Modica said.
“Gżira United are a very good side, and they have proved that with their performances and results in recent weeks. They have some very important qualities in the squad, and we need to use all of our energies to get the result we need in what is turning out to be a more challenging Closing Round.
“My message to the player is quite clear. We need to be up to the job for all the matches we play, and to do that, we need to adopt the right approach and give the respect our opponents deserve.
“It’s important that we keep believing in our ability and try to play to the best of our ability.”
PROGRAMME
PLAYING ON TUESDAY
TEDESCO STADIUM
Gżira Utd vs Ħamrun S. 19.00
CENTENARY STADIUM
Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 18.30
Birkirkara vs Tarxien R. 21.00
WEDNESDAY
CENTENARY STADIUM
Naxxar vs Mosta 18.30
Hibernians vs Żabbar SP 21.00
TONY BEZZINA STADIUM
Valletta vs Floriana 19.30
