by Hibernians and Mgarr United will clash heads in the second of today’s double-header at Dingli Ground (15:30). The two shared the points in a six-goal frenzy first time out, but will hope to do one better and seal a victory over their rivals.
Unlikely To Be As Open
The two teams come into the match on the back of big-margin victories and both defences enjoying clean sheets. Hibernians come into the match following a 3-0 victory over Valletta, while Mgarr United dominated by 7-0 against San Gwann.
The next fixture sets up another crucial battle in the race to the top. A win for Hibernians will see them rise to the top of the table, with two points ahead of Swieqi United, following the latter’s draw with Birkirkara on Thursday. On the other hand, a victory for Mgarr United would see them pip Hibernians and level the points with Swieqi United at the top. Birkirkara still have a game in hand over all three.
The matches between Hibernians and Mgarr United have been hard-fought in the past and the first match of the season between the two proved no different. It ended in a 3-3 draw which featured plenty end-to-end action and was one of the more frantic matches of the season thus far.
The two camps were probed on whether they believe they can keep up their goalscoring form, while this time be more successful in keeping out the opposition. Speaking on the previous encounter against the Greens, Hibernians’ Keith Gouder said, “We let a two-goal advantage slip away in the match in the first round and that was quite disappointing.” He continued, “We need to be much more focused and tactically disciplined to avoid any shortcomings that could punish us. At the same time, we need to be effective in our possession, to be able to create goal scoring opportunities and capitalise on them.”
Michael Mangion’s side also appear to be ready for the battle, “We deem that the team has what it takes to be up to the challenge and fight for the three points.”
Key Players and Tactical Tweaks
The two teams come into the match enjoying clean sheets in their previous fixtures, while having front-lines that are firing on all cylinders.
Fernanda Peinado grabbed her debut goal for the Greens against Hibernians and has been flying high since then netting ten goals, while being heavily involved in a lot more. Fellow Brazilian Joelma Alves Gabriel also found joy against Hibernians and follows Peinado with nine goals.
Although they top the scoring lists, they’ve been gelling well with the Greens’ other playmakers Brenda Borg, Yulya Carella, Luana Vitoria Cabral and Rodiana Borg. That gives Hibernians plenty to contend with, considering that all of them are no slouches in front of goal either.
However, Hibernians have been a stubborn defence to break down. Probed whether he believes it’s a matter of continuing in this momentum or if there will need to be tweaks to be able to find joy against the Paolites’ defence, Mgarr United’s Michael Mangion appears reluctant to tamper with the winning formula, “We are happy that our attack is functioning well and we are confident that against Hibernians they will give their one hundred percent to grab some goals for the team.”
Meanwhile, Hibernians have their own lethal threats. Mgarr United will surely keep an eye on Leah Ayres considering that she bagged a hat-trick in the previous encounter. However, Alexis Espitia keeps her good company, having scored six goals in the last three matches. Probed about the capability to deny the forward, Michael Mangion replied, “In training we focused on both attacking and defensive side of the game. Alexis Espitia is a know threat to all teams. We will do our best to contain her.”
Speaking about the possibility of partnering the two strikers, Hibernians’ coach said, “Alexis and Leah do partner very well together, and they are a force upfront. There are various ways how they can be deployed on the pitch together to maximise our forward strength.” However, the two often form part of a trio out front. Asked whether this has anything to do with not wanting to upset the team balance, Gouder continued, “Yes, having a balanced team is very important so that we do not leave any weaknesses or uncovered areas for our opponent to take advantage off.”
Meanwhile, goalscoring is one thing, but like Mgarr United, Hibernians have a number of creative midfielders. One notable change has been the shifting of their captain Martina Borg to a more retreated role. Probed whether this could become a permanent position, Keith Gouder replied, “Martina is a very versatile and intelligent player. Besides her, there are others that can be deployed the same way to take further advantage. When taking such decisions, there are various factors behind it, and the most important is to field our aces in their places.”
If the first encounter between the two was act one of the play, then certainly one hopes act two at least lives up to the same billing. The two kick-off at 15:30 in Dingli Ground, following the clash between San Gwann and Lija Athletic (13:00).
Lead Images: Hibernians FC / Lara Schembri
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