by The final fixture of the Assikura Women’s League on Saturday will be the blockbuster between Mgarr United against Hibernians at 21:00 at Dingli Ground. It follows the match between Lija Athletic and San Gwann (18:30). Get ready by reading our preview including potential debutants and comments from the coaches of both camps.
Key Elements
Mgarr United opened their campaign with a narrow victory over a resilient San Gwann side that frustrated them for long stints. The Greens had numerous chances and just did enough to get the three points, however will no doubt want to be more clinical against the Paolites who are unlikely to afford them such a number of chances. On the other hand, Hibernians delivered a confident victory over debutants Valletta and will hope that they can keep the run going.
As last season progressed, the league matches between Mgarr United and Hibernians became tighter affairs, with Mgarr United winning twice and the two teams split in the round two match. However, Hibernians ended the season with the last laugh by edging out a victory in the Assikura Women’s Knockout. One expects a tough battle, however there has also been plenty of change in both sides which suggests that the football on display could be different.
Mangion and Gouder Have Their Say
A bit of frustration kicked into the match between San Gwann and Mgarr United last week, while as noted above matches between the Greens and Hibernians are usually also fought toe to toe. Asked about the concentration needed to be able to get a result, Mgarr United’s coach Michael Mangion said, “The mental aspect will be very important. Sometimes, in any sports, things do not go as planned and our last match was one of those days. We missed a lot of goal scoring opportunities and the team was frustrated but kept pushing for the three points. For our next match, against Hibs, our players will be prepared for both mental and tactical aspects.”
At the opposite end, Keith Gouder has also been preparing the Paolites for the clash. Last season their only win against the Greens came as the team capitalised on a set-piece and then defended doggedly to maintain the slender lead. Asked whether he would be happy to take such a victory in the upcoming fixture or if he wants the team to assert more dominance, Gouder said, “The games against Mgarr United are always hard-fought encounters and the games between us can always go both ways. Both teams have strengthened their squad from last season and the objective is to achieve the three points. Ideally when obtaining the win it would be with a great performance, but it is not always the rule. I experienced games that we dominated but still didn’t manage to bag maximum points.”
This week the Greens announced that they secured the signature of Fernanda Peinado and Luana Cabral, who Mangion indicates could feature in the match. Similarly, questioned about the potential debut of Natalee Geren, Hibernians’ coach Keith Gouder also confirmed that the American is likely to feature.
Meanwhile, asked about the importance of the supporting crowd Mangion said, “It was nice to see a good crowd at the Centenary Stadium last Friday. We hope that our supporters will be there to help us with their encouragement on Saturday night as well.”
Likewise, last Saturday Hibernians and Valletta played in front of sizeable crowd at Dingli Ground. Asked about the importance of this support Gouder noted, “Playing on Saturdays is proving that more people are making their way to support their team. Having supporters backing the squad is always an extra boost.”
Kick-off will be at 21:00 at Dingli Ground, following the match between Lija Athletic and San Gwann. Tickets may be purchased at the door for 2.50 Euro.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Maraya Gauci
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