Four teams will be battling for the final two berths in the Top 6 berth as the Opening Phase of the Closing Round will come to an end this weekend.
Valletta, Naxxar Lions, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers will be looking to join Floriana, Ħamrun Spartans, Marsaxlokk and Gżira United in the Top 6 and keep alive their hopes of at least European football next summer.
Valletta looked the best-placed team from their three other rivals as they only need a point from their clash against Marsaxlokk.
Naxxar, on the other hand, must secure a better result than the other two contenders, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers, when they face Hibernians.
For Sliema and Birkirkara, they have no margin of error as they must win their clashes against Gżira United and Floriana, respectively, to either move above or join Naxxar in sixth place, where, in that case, a decider will be needed to decide who will take the final spot.
Birkirkara are facing a desperate scenario as the Stripes must beat leaders Floriana and hope Naxxar lose against Hibernians and Sliema fail to overcome Gżira United.
Coach Paul Zammit is aware of the difficult task facing his side today and made it clear that his main focus at the moment are his players.
“This is not my first time here as Birkirkara coach and my focus is on the players,” Zammit, who replaced Gianluca Festa last January, said.
“Normally, I don’t like changing clubs in the middle of the season, but after thinking a lot about it, I decided to take this step. The situation was not easy here at this football club.
“From the outside this Birkirkara team was surrounded by negativity and sometimes the media can be unfair about what is happening and the difficult period this club has endured.
“From the 25th of October until the end of January the team played 12 matches and lost nine.
“From the 3rd of February, and since I have taken over until last week, we played nine games and lost only two. These same players also took us to the FA Trophy semi-final.
Despite all the difficulties and negativity, these players managed to take us to where we are today.
“We are still not satisfied because we are still chasing a Top 6 place, but I want to praise my players for their hard work in difficult times.
“This is not about me; it is about them. They are managing things game after game.
“Now we are focused on the match against Floriana.”
Speaking on Birkirkara’s test against Floriana, Zammit admitted it will be a major challenge for his team.
“I admire their team (Floriana), they are brave in getting results, and they are well organised, with players who can make a difference,” Zammit said.
“In January, they added more quality, which is why they are at the top.
“We will be facing a very strong team, and the pressure will be on both sides.”
Floriana, on the other hand, will have one major objective in their heads today, that to maintain their top placing in the standings, ahead of nearest rivals Ħamrun Spartans.
The Greens are currently two points clear of the Malta champions and will be seeking all three points to remain on pole in the race to win the Closing Round and force at least a championship decider.
Floriana coach Daniel Portela has warned his players that they have not achieved anything yet and still have a long way to go to secure their objectives.
“So far we haven’t achieved anything yet.” Portela said.
“Every team feels pressure and they need the three points just like we do. We are in a similar position, so it will be a big challenge for us.
“This league is difficult and the format makes it even harder. I know coach Paul is one of the best coaches around, and we will not change our style of play.
“All coaches work hard, but in the end, our job depends on results. It’s better not to listen to the noise around us.
“In my role I focus on what I can control on the pitch.
“For me, the days before the match are even more important than the game itself because everything comes down to preparation.
“Mental strength on the training ground is just as important as tactics.
“Skills are important, but players must also use their heart and their brain. If they don’t fight to win the ball back, then talent alone is pointless.”
