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Monday, January 22 |
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Bank of Valletta Premier League: Floriana and Hibs in dire need of points as they face crucial matches today
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Floriana and Hibernians will be searching for vital points this afternoon at Ta’ Qali as the Premier League enters a crucial phase, where the clubs jockey for position – either in the Championship Pool or the Relegation Pool in the second phase.
Everyone must be aware that the Top Six will play in the Championship Pool, while the remaining four will take part in the Relegation Pool.
At present, the battle is raging in mid-table for at least two places in the Championship Pool. With nine points still available for most of the teams, Valletta, Birkirkara, Hibernians and Floriana are separated by seven points and anything can happen yet. However, Valletta and Hibernians have played a match fewer than the Stripes and the Greens. Valletta have 27 points, Birkirkara 24, Hibernians 21 and Floriana 20.
From the above statistics it is evident that Hibernians and Floriana cannot really afford to miss out this weekend, especially Floriana who, if defeated, will only have Hibernians to contend with.
In fact, a victory for Birkirkara will assure not only the Stripes, but also Valletta, of a place in the Championship Pool.
The Stripes today will possibly have most of their players available and they will be expected to maintain the momentum they have obtained in the past few matches when they started climbing up the table consistently.
They will start favourites against the Greens today, not only because of current form, but also because Floriana will have to face their rivals without international defender Ian Azzopardi, and striker Manolito Micallef – both suspended in midweek.
In the second match today, Valletta will know their fate from the result of the previous match. A defeat for Birkirkara means that they will also have to beat Hibernians to assure themselves of a place in the Championship Pool, even if it appears unlikely that they will fail to win the necessary points in their remaining matches.
Hibernians will be facing a lot more trouble if they do not win today’s match, especially if Floriana manage to overcome Birkirkara. That would mean the Greens would overtake them in the standings, though the Paolites would have one match in hand.
Tomorrow, Msida have another chance to bridge the gap with inactive leaders Marsaxlokk as they take on St George’s. But after the 2-2 draw against Sliema last week, the Saints will now look forward to causing another upset against the second placed Msida.
In the final match on the programme, Pieta will be looking forward to maintain their recent improvement as they face Marsa. It is a relegation match where points will be important for second phase purposes. |
posted by ^%&^
@ 9:31 AM
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