by The Greens will meet Lija Athletic for the first time at Dingli Ground this afternoon at 17:30, following the clash between San Gwann and Mtarfa. Michael Mangion’s side will be eyeing to complete the streak of five matches unbeaten, but Jethron Azzopardi’s side will be hoping to dampen their spirits.
Resuming The Campaign
The two sides came into the season with different objectives. Mgarr United recruited heavily in both players and coaching staff, and came into the league with a clear intention to rise to the top of the table. They have started strongly, dropping points only against Hibernians.
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic are considered somewhat of a newcomer considering the newly-formed group of players and coaching team. Although still searching for their first victory, the team earned their first point San Gwann and are steadily developing a consistent goal-threat.
Questioned about their bright start to the season and the use of the international break to recover injuries and consolidate their style of play, Mgarr United’s Michael Mangion replied, “We had enough time to work on both physical and tactical aspects. Having started the league with an unbeaten run is always positive but it’s still a long way to go and we must keep focused on the next objective, a win against Lija on Saturday.” Probed about the break, Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi said, “We had the time to organise and work on our tactics. It gave us time to plan ahead for this game against Mgarr United.”
Team News
Mgarr United had two players away on international duty, in Brenda Borg and Anastasia Sivolobova, but also went into the break nursing a few injuries in their squad. Questioned about the availability of these players, Mangion noted, “Brenda Borg and Anastasia Sivolobova did well with their national team and they will be part of the squad this weekend.” Asked about the recovery of both Yulya Carella and Rebecca Bajada, Mangion replied that both should be available for selection on Saturday. There was also positive news about Leanne Cefai’s return, “Leanne Cefai started training with the group now and she will be available to play soon.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic’s squad is fairly small and they had to do without their goalkeeper Christiana Pisani in their final match against Valletta before the break. Questioned about her recovery, Jethron Azzopardi noted the goalkeeper has the thumbs up, “Christiana is fully recovered and will be playing tomorrow.”
Expectations From The Match
Michael Mangion made clear the team’s intention to continue on their positive run. However, the coach was also questioned about defending against Lija Athletic, considering ability to net from set-pieces as well as through counter-attacking football. He said, “Lija’s attack is fast and can hit when least expected. That’s why our players are prepared to stay alert at all times and keep concentration levels high.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United have displayed fast attacking football which has been successful in dismantling a number of defences this season. Questioned about the team’s chances of thwarting this and getting points from the match, Lija Athletic’s Jethron Azzopardi replied, “We had a previous encounter in a pre-season friendly and we are aware of their attacking force. We will play our game and try to get the best out of it.”
The match kicks-off at 17:30 at Dingli Ground, following the encounter between San Gwann and Mtarfa (15:00).
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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