by Birkirkara will welcome Mtarfa at the Centenary Stadium (20:15) for their final outing of the calendar year in the Assikura Women’s League. Coming into this one from the extremities of the table, the two provide for an interesting contrast in their approach from their previous direct encounters against Hibernians and San Gwann, respectively.
Two Very Different Outlooks
The two teams provide the largest contrast in season trajectory. Birkirkara come into the match high in confidence following a 3-0 victory over Hibernians which lifted them into first place for the first time this season. The Stripes go into this match chomping at the bit to extend their lead at the top, “A win against Mtarfa would give us a four point lead which gives us a healthy advantage over our closest rivals,” said Birkirkara’s coach Jose’ Borg.
Questioned about whether this point advantage would meet or exceed expectation, Borg focused on the journey, “As was predicted the title chase this year is very difficult and having a four point lead before heading into the final stage will be a good advantage to take with us in our bid to lift the title in April.”
On the other hand, Mtarfa’s disastrous start to the season was perhaps even more underlined by the fact that San Gwann, a team that they won against twice last year, defeated them by 6-0 on Friday to take their own tally into double figures. This while the Blues search for the first points.
Mtarfa’s Simon Spiteri was asked to weigh in on the difference that has developed between the two teams and whether he still believes that the current path will be sufficient to get Mtarfa into the points. He refused to get into any comparison, instead responding, “All merits to San Gwann for the three points. On the other hand, you cannot change fixtures just three days before a scheduled fixture. We have key players abroad and number of injured players.”
This in reference to the fact that the match on Friday was moved from 20:30 to 18:00. While the abrupt and unexplained change in fixture time is rightly challenged, it is unclear how a change in fixture time affected the availability of injured players and those who are abroad.
Selections & Match Expectations
This will be Birkirkara’s fourth match in around ten days. Questioned about rotating the squad Jose’ Borg referenced the toll on the squad, “Yes, we had a tough December and a very busy November as well. The fatigue on the players started to show, especially during the last game against Hibernians.”
In reference to introducing youth players in the rotation Birkirkara’s Borg replied, “We have a very deep squad, but unfortunately most of the players who are still youths also have their league and they will be playing a game in two days as well. So, I have to consider this in selecting who plays the ninety minutes and who cannot.”
There is no doubt that Mtarfa have had their own injuries to deal with, especially with a large number of youth players playing both the senior and the U19 league matches. Despite this, those taking to the pitch will have to go into the match with a higher determination to limit the Stripes. The previous meet between the two ended in a 10-0 scoreline in favour of Birkirkara.
Questioned about shoring up defensive mistakes which cost them against the Yellows, Mtarfa’s coach Simon Spiteri referenced more widespread issues, “Our weakness is not the defensive line but lack of basic skills and match understanding. During training we are working to improve on this weakness.”
The two teams will conclude the Assikura Women’s League matches for this calendar year. They meet tonight at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15, following the Assikura Women’s Youth League top of the league clash between Swieqi United and Valletta (18:00).
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