Sliema Wanderers and Valletta will be in search of much-needed points when the two rivals face off on Saturday at the National Stadium, as the chase for a Top Six berth is getting tighter and tighter.
At present, Valletta are sitting in fourth place on 12 points, three clear of the Wanderers, who are ninth and under pressure to force their way into the Top Six.
Both teams dropped valuable points in midweek, as Sliema Wanderers needed a late Gabriel Alcino goal to earn a 1-1 draw against Birkirkara, while Valletta could not breach a resolute Żabbar St Patrick side and had to settle for a point.
Pablo Doffo, the Sliema Wanderers coach, admitted that his team are desperate for points, but they are aware that it’s going to be another complicated fixture.
“We are desperately in search of the three points to move closer to the Top 6 placed,” Doffo told the Times of Malta.
“It’s going to be a very difficult match as Valletta are a great side who have been very consistent this season. But we are aware of our own potential and believe that we can get the result we need if we perform to our best.
“All matches are difficult and close, and I firmly believe that this match will likely be decided by episodes that happen during the match.”
The Argentine coach is boosted by the return to full fitness of Brazilian forward Fernandinho and hopes that his return can provide the much-needed spark that has been missing in the Sliema forward line.
“Unfortunately, we have struggled for consistency, but I feel that the team is playing well, but not taking the chances it is creating,” Doffo said.
“Against Birkirkara, the team played very well but failed to convert the chances we created, and that can prove costly.
“Another major problem for us is that we are conceding too many goals, and we need to shore up our defence if we are to start winning matches consistently.
“Valletta are a very dangerous opponent who are very solid defensively and are dangerous with their fast transition, so we need to keep our tactical shape, or we will be in serious trouble.”
On the other hand, Valletta coach Thane Micallef admitted that the busy playing schedule for all the teams is making life difficult for everyone, but is confident his team will be ready to get the three points against Sliema Wanderers.
“This year’s championship is very balanced, with very little difference between one team and another,” Micallef said.
“If you look at the last series of results, several matches ended in a draw, or matches were won by a one-goal margin only. The congestion of fixtures is catching up with everyone, and it is reflected in the performances of all the teams.
“But we can only control what we can control and we have been working hard to make sure we arrive for this match in the best possible shape.
“We have great faith in the technical level of our team, and we are confident we can do the job.
“I am expecting a completely different match to the one we had in midweek against Żabbar St Patrick. Against Żabbar, we were trying to break down a very resolute side, but against Sliema, it will not be the same.
“We are two teams who like to play attacking football, so it will be a match that will be decided on details. Whoever takes his chances will prevail.”
