by Lija Athletic are expected to welcome Mtarfa at Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30 this evening. Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi spoke about an improved showing against San Gwann, as well as the impact of arrivals and departures for his team.
Improved Showings
Lija Athletic and Mtarfa have both had their turbulences, but despite coming into the match from the bottom end of the table, the two will take heart from improved performances in their last matches.
Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi was probed about whether he believes the 4 – 1 defeat to San Gwann reflected their performance on the pitch, to which he replied, “I think it was actually the closest match we had to San Gwann out of the three performances. So, I don’t think the result reflected our performance no.”
On the other hand, Mtarfa were narrowly defeated by 1 – 0 against Valletta. However, the team showed an enthusiasm to go forward, with the side ultimately ruing missed opportunities that could have earned them historic points against Valletta. Still, the performance will no doubt have lifted spirits inside the Blues’ camp in what has been a challenging few months.
Squad Changes
Lija Athletic had more new signings in their starting eleven, in Estefany Colmenarez Gonzalez and Laury Carrasco Gonzalez, while more U19 players continued to bolster the side. Jethron Azzopardi felt the introductions invigorated the team, “I saw the team with more energy and willing to play to bring the result. We need to work more on the physical aspect in the coming games.”
However, the team also lost goalkeeper Christiana Pisani, who moved to Fabrizio Miccoli Femminile in Italy. Jethron Azzopardi gave his thoughts on the move and its impact on his team. He said, “I am happy for Christiana as she worked a lot to be playing abroad. With regards to impact, it has changed our style of play and how to defend.”
Match Expectations
Lija have secured all six available points from the first two encounters, winning by 1 – 0 and 5 – 1. Looking at the improved performances of both teams, Jethron Azzopardi gave his thoughts on his upcoming fixture, “Mtarfa in a ground like Mosta can close spaces well and make it difficult to score for bottom four teams. It will not be an easy match.”
No responses were received at the time of writing from Mtarfa’s contingent for the second consecutive week.
The two teams are expected to take to the pitch at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30.
Lead Images: Elise Bajada / Lara Schembri
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