by The Stripes will return to action in the Assikura Women’s League against San Gwann at 6 pm tonight, in the first of a double-header at Dingli Ground. Birkirkara’s Jose Borg will not want anything other than three points as they set focus on lifting the twelfth title. The coach was also questioned about the venue in Birkirkara’s first match there. Meanwhile, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri has made it clear that they will take the fight to anyone and will be boosted by a number of returning players.
Recent Form and Expectations
Birkirkara will come into the match having played just their opening league match following a two-week stop to focus on the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The defending champions will now direct their attention on the league in attempt to lift the twelfth title, which would see them equal Hibernians’ record. They have some catching up to do in terms of matches played and will start by focusing on achieving a win against San Gwann.
Birkirkara’s Jose Borg was questioned about directing focus toward the league and the importance of securing three points. Borg said, “After the Champions League, our focus is now the league and we have no room for mistakes. This match against San Gwann gives us the opportunity to win three points and that is all that matters.” Probed into whether they are seeking a big margin to rack up a large goal difference, Borg replied, “I’m after a strong performance and work on our offensive movements. Winning 1-0 or 10-0 does not matter, but tactically we have to be good.”
On the other hand, San Gwann will be playing their fourth match. Their opening match against Mgarr United set a precedent for a strong outfit and despite the loss against the Greens, the Yellows followed it up with a draw against Lija Athletic, which earned them their first point of the season. However, Swieqi United proved tough opponents last week and they will likely not be let off easy against the Stripes.
Questioned on whether the variations in performances of San Gwann is something that has any effect on their preparations, Birkirkara’s coach said, “We will stick to our principles and game plan like we always do. Whoever the opponent, we play out game and all that matters are the three points and collective efforts to achieve them.”
On the other hand, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri was probed on whether following the big-margin loss against Swieqi United, the team is likely to adopt a different system in order to contain the defending champions. Camilleri responded, “Swieqi United were a strong opponent because of their quality, but also because of having a number of injuries on our end too. In this game we will see a return of a number of players, and together with our preparation to play against a strong team, we will be more compact. We have worked on more than one system and so we will be able to adapt depending on the situations we face in the match.”
Team News
The Stripes have been boosted by the confirmation that Marta Grosso will be staying with the club for another season. The Italian grew in confidence over the past year and earned herself a regular spot in the starting eleven, notably showing great versatility too.
Questioned about the importance of Grosso’s strong work ethic in the team, Birkirkara’s Jose Borg said, “Marta is like a great signing for the season. Her performances have been amazing and we will continue to build on this. Tough work was done in getting Marta to improve in different aspects and it will be great to see her performing with us.”
Meanwhile, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri was questioned about the possible return of first-choice goalkeeper Justyne Caruana to the starting eleven, as well as Tourki Chaimaa, after both missed the match against Swieqi United. Camilleri confirmed, “Justyne will return, as will Tourki. Tourki already played in the the U19 league mid-week and scored twice.”
Meanwhile, probed about Shania Gheiti’s recovery following the match against the Owls, Camilleri said, “Shania made a short appearance against Swieqi United coming off from the bench but got injured in the challenge by the goalkeeper, who was sent off. She has an injury in her neck and to her ankle, which means she will be unavailable in the match against Birkirkara.”
Venue & Support
It will be the first time that Birkirkara play at Dingli Ground, while San Gwann have already had a good run out on the pitch against Lija Athletic. Jose Borg was asked about his thoughts on the venue. He weighed in, “I was one of those who was vocal on playing there, as the pitch is better than some others we played on. At least it has a decent size dressing too. The pitch size is also good. However, the lights are not the best, but I guess we can’t have it all. However, for me a dressing room is crucial for the players to have and change, which are basics in football.”
Finally, noting the strong support that Birkirkara had in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Borg was also questioned about the importance of seeing this continue in Saturday’s match. He replied, “The crowd will be nice to have, but I doubt they will be here for these matches. I would prefer they are with us in the decisive matches.”
Similarly, Julian Camilleri was asked on the importance of having a strong crowd behind the team as they attempt to bring the battle to Birkirkara. Camilleri was defiant in his response, “We will always take to the pitch with aim of securing points, irrespective of our opposition. The difference in who wins lies in the will of the team who will work hardest to achieve that win. We start the game with eleven players against eleven and have no reason to fear anyone.”
The match begins at 18:00 and will be played at Dingli Ground. It will be followed by the encounter between Swieqi United and Hibernians (20:30). Tickets will be sold at the door for 2.50 Euro.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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