by Following a spectacular international break, focus returns to the Assikura Women’s League. With just four points separating the top four, and three direct confrontations in next four days, the table could look very different before Round 2 begins. For those supporting in the stands, the matches promise real excitement and a few nervous moments too.
The High-Flyer’s Test
All teams will compete on Saturday in two double-headers at Dingli Ground and Mgarr Ground that will end the first round of fixtures for most. There will also be a mid-week encounter at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday as Birkirkara and Swieqi United (20:00) face each other for the first time this season.
Mgarr United currently enjoy the seat at the top of the table, but that will be put to another big test this weekend. The Greens will welcome Birkirkara in their home ground for the first time in the final clash on Saturday (16:30). A win will see Mgarr United extend their lead at the top for the time being, although the Stripes still have games in hand. A loss will see them being surpassed by Birkirkara.
However, if that isn’t enough, the current leaders have the extra incentive for the win to also avoid being overtaken by Hibernians, who lag by just one point and are on equal matches. The Paolites will seek a convincing win against Mtarfa, following a shaky victory over San Gwann before the break. They will contest each other at Dingli Ground, 15:30. A win for Hibernians, combined with any drop in points by the Greens, will see Hibernians raise themselves in the table. Putting all this into perspective, there’s no doubt that for the Greens, the home crowd will be important and the fighting spirit even more so.
On the other hand, the defending champions, Birkirkara, will have a real bit between their teeth as they seek to maximise points against Mgarr United, before facing Swieqi United next Tuesday. A win for the Stripes on Saturday would see them surpass the Greens and maybe even Hibernians (depending on their result against Mtarfa).
Backing up a potential win on Saturday, with a triumph over Swieqi United on Tuesday, would cement Birkirkara’s position at the top of the table with some breathing space. This, knowing that they would still have a game in hand. In this regard, these clashes will truly test how close the teams have become to the defending champions this season. The Stripes go into the fixtures with the confidence of having already passed the test against Hibernians.
Meanwhile, Swieqi United will return from the international break against Lija Athletic, which will be the first match to kick things off on Saturday, at 13:00 at Dingli Ground. Following a draw against Mgarr United, Swieqi United will seek three points against Lija Athletic to keep in touch with the rest, but the newcomers have been tricky for a few teams and will be buoyant following their first victory before the break. Getting a point could lift them to sixth place, should San Gwann fall against Valletta.
However, the Owls will want a convincing victory before mounting a challenge to down the Stripes on Tuesday. Should Birkirkara lose against Mgarr United, then a win for Swieqi United against Lija Athletic would see them overtake the Stripes, with an opportunity to cement the position Tuesday.
Noting the quick-turnaround between matches, and the fact that Birkirkara are unbeaten for more than ninety games, their response against any drop in points on Saturday would be a real test of character. The fact that Swieqi United and Birkirkara will face each other again the week after adds another layer to the contest.
A Crucial Mid-Table Clash
Although it can be easy to get lost in the ongoings of the top four, there is another direct confrontation that will unfold this weekend in a battle for fifth place. Valletta and San Gwann will face each other for the first time at Mgarr Ground (14:00). The two are neck-and-neck in the table, with just two points between them.
The Yellows have not always managed to convert their displays into points this season, but there is no doubt that both Mgarr United and Hibernians struggled against them. They will look to build on this by grabbing the three points that will lift them above Valletta just before the end of the first round. Although Julian Camilleri has spoken about improving their points tally this year (which they have already done), this would certainly be another important step.
On the other hand, Valletta have managed to notch six points and were on course for another upset against Birkirkara prior to the break. Although the defending champions managed the victory in the final ten minutes of the match, there was plenty of time when the result looked in doubt. Although tactically this will likely be a very different match for Valletta, a solid defence is certainly a good foundation on which to build a win.
Crucially, three points would see Denis Guerra’s side to stay in touch with the top four, whom they could challenge as the league heads into the second round.
It will be a super Saturday indeed.
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