At the National Stadium, Naxxar Lions and Mosta will face off in the Derby of the North, but this time the stakes will be much higher than usual as they will be battling it out on who will remain in the Premier League next season.
On the other hand, Tarxien Rainbows and Żabbar St Patrick will meet for the second time this week at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, with a win this morning handing them Premier League survival.
There are no clear favourites in either of these two relegation play-offs, and it’s a pity that the Malta Premier League and the Malta FA decided to host these matches at lunchtime on Mother’s Day, as it’s likely to hurt any hope of having a good crowd watching these two matches.
There is a great rivalry between Naxxar Lions and Mosta, but this morning the stakes are much higher than bragging rights as both teams will be fighting to stay among the big boys of Maltese football.
Since Winston Muscat replaced George Vella, the Lions have come a long way, as after finishing bottom of the Opening Round, they defied the odds to make it into the Top Six of the Closing Round at the expense of some of the big guns of Maltese football like Hibernians, Birkirkara, and Sliema Wanderers.
Muscat said that this match has much bigger value than the rivalry with the neighbouring rivals.
“We knew from the start of the Closing Round that if we did not finish in the first two places of the Top 6 we would be facing a Relegation Play-off,” Muscat said.
“The team has worked really hard in the past weeks to prepare in the best possible way for this match.
“People mention our derby victory against Mosta in January, but honestly, all that we have done before this match has no bearing in this match. It’s what we do on Sunday that will have a bearing on whether we stay in the Premier League or not.
“I am happy with how the team is performing, and we will do everything in our power to bring the win home and reconfirm our place in the Premier League for another season.”
On his part, Mario Muscat, Mosta’s technical director, said that given Naxxar’s form they will start as favourites but has still backed his team to get the win they need to stay in the top flight.
“It’s a decisive match for both teams,” Muscat said.
“The players are prepared both physically and mentally and are aware that the only result that will make us happy is a win, as that is the only way for us to stay in the top-flight.
“It’s not going to be easy as Naxxar Lions have improved a lot in the Closing Round and personally I believe that they will start as favourites in this decider.
“This match has added significance as it’s a derby and given the stakes it holds, I think it’s the most important derby for many years.
“My appeal is for our fans to come to the stadium on Sunday and give their support to the team in what promises to be a tough match. But I am sure that if everyone gives his part, we can get the result we are looking for.”
Tarxien Rainbows and Żabbar St Patrick face off for the second time in the space of a few days, with Premier League survival at stake.
On Tuesday, the Rainbows beat the Saints 3-2 in extra-time to win a decider for tenth place but coach Jacques Scerri has made it clear that Tuesday’s win would mean nothing if they fail to deliver the goods today.
“Tuesday’s win was a great occasion for the club, but we haven’t achieved anything yet,” Scerri said.
“This is the biggest match in our season and everyone must remain focused and determined to finish what we have started on Tuesday.
“The players have been showing great determination and fighting spirit in the last few weeks and we need to take this attitude in Sunday’s match.
“Żabbar SP will come out with all guns blazing for us, and therefore, we need to be at our very best.
“I have great faith in my players and hopefully we can bring home the win that fulfils our ambition for this season.”
Gilbert Agius, the Żabbar SP coach, was disappointed with the result but not with his team’s performance in Tuesday’s play-off, and is backing his players to provide the right response today.
“I was disappointed with the result but not with the team’s performance,” Agius said.
“At the moment, everyone is remaining calm and we are fully determined that on Sunday, we can turn the tables on our opponents and get the win that we are vying for.
“Looking at how the match developed on Tuesday, I believe that small details have made all the difference.
“Leading 2-1 in extra-time, we know that we should have administered the match better. We should have used the ball more intelligently when we were ahead.
“But that is in the past.
“The most important thing is how we perform on Sunday. Everything is at stake and my message to the players is to go out give everything they have and try to enjoy themselves.”
PROGRAMME
TODAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Mosta vs Naxxar Lions 11.00
TONY BEZZINA STADIUM
Tarxien R. vs Żabbar SP 11.00
