by Mtarfa and Lija Athletic will complete today’s double header at Dingli Ground, starting at 16:30. As the two teams from the bottom of the table face each other, Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo is looking for his team to put their best foot forward against a Lija side that will want nothing more than to get their season back on track.
The Only Way Is Up?
The two teams will be facing each other after a month’s break from competitive fixtures. Currently sitting at the bottom two places in the table, Lija Athletic lead with six points, while Mtarfa seek their first points.
Lija Athletic’s start to the season has sloped off in a downward spiral, with the team heading to the break on the back of a 7-0 defeat to San Gwann, a team that it considered a near rival until the first round of the season. On the other hand, Mtarfa head into this following a 5 – 0 defeat at the hands of league leaders, Hibernians.
January presents an opportunity for strengthening, something that Jethron Azzopardi suggested that Lija Athletic were seeking in past interviews. However, likewise, Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo did not provide certainty on new blood coming into the squad. He said, “For January, the club knows what is needed and will try to do what it can about It.”
Mtarfa’s Gaetano Papaleo gave no insight on the work done throughout a month’s hiatus to try to push the team into better standings. Focusing on the match, he said, “The table speaks, the two bottom teams of the league will face each other. Some dear friends are playing in Lija, I hope it will be a good match.”
Meanwhile, questioned about whether he believes his team can capitalise on the downward spiral which Lija Athletic are facing, Gaetano Papaleo appears more focused on what his team can deliver. He said, “Honestly, I don’t care if the others have issues. l care only that my team gives a good performance and that every player gives the best of herself.”
No responses were received from the Lija Athletic contingent at the time of writing. A victory for Lija Athletic could push them ahead of Valletta, should the latter fail to earn points against Hibernians earlier in the afternoon.
The two teams are due to head onto the pitch at Dingli Ground at 16:30, following the encounter between Valletta and Hibernians (14:00).
Tomorrow also presents the first taste of silverware for the season in Malta for Birkirkara or Swieqi United in the Super Cup. The Centenary Stadium will play host to the final on Sunday 8th at 14:00. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Lara Schembri
Make sure to never miss an Assikura Women’s League match by syncing your calendar here.
Stay up to date by following The Sporting Fan on social media: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ X
