The biggest novelty in this weekend’s schedule of fixtures is the fact that it will mark the start of the Gozo Weekender, which will see a programme from both the Top 6 and the Bottom 6 being played in Gozo in successive weekends.
This weekend, the first matchday of the Top 6 will be played between on Saturday and Sunday, with the top two sides in the division, Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans, in action on Saturday afternoon at the Gozo Stadium.
Floriana will be looking to protect their three-point lead over Ħamrun Spartans when they face Naxxar Lions.
However, the main fixture of the day will be the clash between champions Ħamrun Spartans and Marsaxlokk.
For the Spartans, the clash against Marsaxlokk is a crucial fixture for their ambitions to finish at the top of the Closing Round and win the league title without the need for a Final Four or a play-off final.
Before the international break, the Spartans missed out on the opportunity to join Floriana at the top after a shock 1-0 defeat to bottom-placed Mosta.
Coach Modica has spent the past three weeks trying to inject fresh impetus into the Spartans’ players and is demanding a strong response against Mosta.
“It’s important that we bounce back after the defeat against Mosta, which went very badly,” Modica told a news conference.
“We approached that game poorly. When you think you are already good enough before the match starts, it’s the wrong mentality and attitude, and that’s why we lost that game.
“The issue with not scoring enough goals comes down to application.
“We must maximize what we have in the squad through hard work in training and proper application during matches.
“During the three-week break, it was difficult to train because several players were with the national team.
“We are proud to have had seven players called up in various categories representing their country, but now we are focused on the final push to reach our ultimate target.
“Saturday’s match will be very tough; we are facing a strong team with an excellent coach.”
Tiring schedule
On his part, Spartans skipper Henry Bonello said that although he and his team-mates have been going through a tiring fixture schedule, their desire to defend their league title is still very high and they are determined to win all the matches and secure the championship crown.
“It has been non-stop since June,” Bonello said.
“I’ve had no real break. As we stand, I still enjoy football and love playing. Our objective remains the same: to win the league.
“Apart from European success, this season we failed to win the Jubilee Cup, FA Trophy, and Super Cup.
“That’s why I’m super motivated in this final push, it would be unthinkable to finish the season without a major honour.”
Bonello also underlined the fact that he still has the desire and ambition to prolong his career.
“I still have the hunger and motivation for training, and for winning matches, so mentally I am fully focused,” the Malta goalkeeper said.
“Physically, I’m not at my freshest, but if I’m strong mentally, then the rest follows.
As long as I’m happy going to training, I will continue.
“The day I feel I can’t cope physically or lose the desire to train and play, that’s when I decide to hang up my boots.
“For now, I’m still motivated.”
On the other hand, Marsaxlokk are determined to secure a return to European football, and Dodo Soares is determined to continue his team’s push with victory over his former club Ħamrun Spartans.
“I spent many years at Ħamrun, and I still have great respect for them,” the Cape Verde forward said.
“However, now it’s my job to focus on my present with Marsaxlokk. We still haven’t reached our target of getting into Europe, so I must put emotions on side and concentrate on bouncing back after failing to win a match that we could have won against Valletta.
“After such a long break, it’s not easy to regain rhythm, but we prepared well during this period. When I was at Ħamrun, I always gave everything, and now I’m here to do the same for my current team.”
On his part, Enzo Potenza is hopeful his players will put behind them the disappointing defeat to Valletta before the international break that jolted their push for a top-three finish.
“No team is built for just one match,” Potenza said.
“Against Valletta, we had the game in hand, but football is full of different dynamics.
“There are always mistakes and moments of injustice.
“My players have always shown commitment and effort in every game.
“We approach each match with the same level of preparation.
“Ħamrun Spartans need no introduction. This summer, they had a strong European run and secured a historic qualification, which is a great achievement also for Maltese football.
“They have already played close to 50 matches, which is not easy, yet they have managed to stay near the top of the table.
“We respect them, but are well prepared for Saturday’s match.”
