Gżira United and Hibernians face a decisive clash in their ambitions to reach the YoHealth Malta Premier League Closing Round Top Six stage when they meet at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off: 2pm).
At present, Gżira United are sitting in fourth place on 14 points, three clear of ninth-placed Hibernians, who need nothing less than the three points to keep alive their hopes of a Top 6 berth.
Gżira coach Darren Abdilla has made it clear that it’s a crucial match for his team to overcome a Hibernians side that is capable of beating any side on their day.
“This is an important match and it won’t be easy,” Abdilla said.
“It’s our eighth match in 20 days, and every team is playing every three days, so it’s a demanding period for everyone. Every match has its own situations.
“I have analyzed the games of Hibernians since Andrei Agius took over. Hibernians have a very valuable squad with quality players.
“Anyone who thinks Hibernians are just a mid-table team is mistaken; they are capable of beating anyone.
“When it’s do-or-die, they know how to perform, and Saturday will be a do-or-die situation in the pursuit of both in reaching the Top 6.”
Abdilla said that despite the strength of their opponents, he is confident his players can get the result they need.
“On the day, we believe in our abilities and we are confident we can achieve a good result on Saturday,” Abdilla said.
“There are seven matches left in the league. The table never lies, the best two teams are at the top, and the rest are very similar in level.
“With seven matches remaining, regardless of whether we finish in the Top 6 or Bottom 6, our focus is on giving 100 per cent in every single match.”
Andy Borg, the Gżira United captain, is grateful for his coach’s belief in his abilities and is determined to help his team reach its objectives.
“Saturday is a very important match,” Borg said.
“Since January, we have been doing very well, and it’s up to us to follow the coach instructions and keep on this pathway on Saturday.
“I thank the coach for believing in me. It is an honour to be the captain, and I want to repay the faith that has been shown in me.”
Andrei Agius, the Hibernians coach, is aware that his team is facing a win-or-bust scenario but is confident his team can build on their resilient performance against Valletta.
“Last week, when the president asked me, I accepted the challenge to step up in the role of head coach,” Agius said.
“We prepared for the Valletta match, and now we face Gżira, who are a strong and competitive team. There is no need for rhetoric about the importance of this match; we are all aware of the importance of the 90 minutes ahead.
“With so many games close together, has been a learning curve. Injuries are not an excuse; they are part of football.
“At the moment, apart from Miullen we have everyone available, and my responsibility is to decide who is best suited and in the best possible shape for match day.
“Even when we were playing against ten men against Valletta, I still felt the team performed well, and we look forward to building on that performance in the 90 minutes ahead on Saturday.”
On his part, club skipper Bjorn Kristensen is sure that the increase in intensity of their game will help them reach their objective.
“Since Andrei took over, it’s up to us to prove that we are a team. We take it more than just a change of coach,” Kristensen said.
“The intensity and the knowledge that coach Andrei brings are very important, and as players, we believe this will help us reach our targets.”
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