by San Gwann will welcome Birkirkara at 16:30 at the Centenary Stadium, following the top-of-the-table clash between Hibernians and Swieqi United. The Yellows are determined to provide a better showing against the defending champions, with the latter searching for three points to keep up the title chase while, eyeing Wednesday’s Super Cup final.
International Break
San Gwann went into the international break following a tough defeat at the hands of Swieqi United. However, the two-week break provided some time to regroup and recuperate a few injuries. In fact, the club formally announced the return of Serbian Andjela Kricak after she missed the last few games due to injury.
The break also presented an opportunity for a few players to get a run-out against the U17 national women’s team. San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri said, “The friendly was a good opportunity to assess the abilities of the players who are currently not getting too many minutes in the league, those returning from injury and also a few youngsters forming part of the U19 team. In this regard, it served as an opportunity to get some players more experience and to fix some mistakes that we have been making.”
Meanwhile, Birkirkara stopped with a dominant performance against Mtarfa. However, they had no less than seven players called up with the senior national team, while also having a few others called up with the U17 squad during the break.
Asked about getting the team ready with the short turnaround since Tuesday’s win for Malta against Latvia, Jose’ Borg said, “It is always difficult after an international break. I will see the players tonight (Thursday) and assess their fitness levels because yesterday was their rest day. I know that there are a few injuries so we’ll be assessing their conditions and making the decision on whether to play them against San Gwann accordingly.”
Selection & Expectations From The Match
San Gwann will go into the match expecting a tough opposition in Birkirkara, who have dominated past encounters and continued in the same way this season by winning the first round fixture by 8-0. Despite this, the Stripes have also dropped points since then, which perhaps puts some cracks in the fortress.
San Gwann’s coach believes that the team has improved since the first meeting, “I think both teams have passed through a lot of different experiences since then. We have recovered important players and I believe that if we keep up the fight throughout the match we can challenge them.”
As noted above, the Stripes’ Jose’ Borg has also had many players away on international duty and will also have Wednesday’s Super Cup final (Centenary Stadium, 15:00) to contend with when making his selections. Counterpart Julian Camilleri is still expecting a tough challenge, but believes these factors could help his side, “I think these things may benefit us but Birkirkara are at the top end of the table and they certainly don’t want to drop points so I still expect a tough challenge.”
On the other hand, Jose Borg noted that the team has had strong wins in the past but is taking no match and no opposition for-granted as they aim to keep the pressure on Hibernians and Swieqi United above them, who meet earlier in the afternoon. “On paper it should be an easy game, but every game has its own value in the league. Our main objective remains to get the three points cleanly and also avoid injuries, so that we will be as fit as possible for the Super Cup.”
In fact, the coach also acknowledged that he has one eye on the Super Cup final to be played on Wednesday when making his selection for the match against San Gwann. “We will be resting some national team players who have been playing a large number of minutes and especially if they have some light injuries.”
Jose Borg also noted that he is considering the match against San Gwann as an important opportunity to get the players back into the rhythm following the international break and in preparation for the Super Cup final. He said, “This game is important because we need to be physically and mentally prepared for the Super Cup. Certainly the Super Cup is one game that gives us a chance to lift a trophy and one that could go into extra-time should things not go the way we want. We will be using this match to be as prepared as possible for the final on Wednesday.”
San Gwann and Birkirkara will meet at the Centenary Stadium with kick-off at 16:30, following the top-of-the-table clash between Hibernians and Swieqi United which starts at 14:00.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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[…] Janice Xuereb retained her place in goal for Birkirkara. As hinted by Jose Borg in the preview, Stephania Farrugia and Ann-Marie Said both dropped to the bench, while Charlene Zammit made her […]