by San Gwann and Lija Athletic will conclude proceedings today at the Dingli Ground, 16:30. San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri is eyeing a second victory over Jethron Azzopardi’s side in search of consolidating sixth-place. However, Lija Athletic will be keen to half the gap to the Yellows in the opening match of the final phase.
Match Expectations
San Gwann head into the encounter six points to the good ahead of Lija Athletic. The Yellows narrowly edged out Lija Athletic in round two, while the teams drew the first encounter, which puts San Gwann in the more confident position ahead of the tie.
Speaking of the convincing victory over Mtarfa last time out, San Gwann’s coach Julian Camilleri said, “The last game gave us more confidence.” However, the coach is not resting on his laurels and is eyeing three points to avoid coming under intense pressure in the final two rounds, “The next game is crucial, because if we win we can say that we have one foot in the door for sixth place.”
Meanwhile, Lija Athletic had an improved attacking display against Valletta, but failed to convert action into goals which led to another defeat. Coach Jethron Azzopardi suggests that there were plenty of positives, but will be seeking to remedy errors in front of goal against San Gwann, “The result against Valletta doesn’t reflect the performance by our team. The team started to string play late in the game, which was too late. However, I am happy with the reaction, it showed character. The same character will be shown today from the first minute.”
Boosts In Players & Link-Up Play
Besides winning the match against Mtarfa with a convincing display, San Gwann were also boosted by the return of Nilayza Attard. In fact, Julian Camilleri suggests that the injury returns put the team in a much better position in terms of options, “You can say that we are close to being a full squad and this helps us to be able to field the players who we think can do the best job in each match.”
The team also announced the arrival of duo Reham Mellah and Cristina Hili, which further adds depth to the selection.
On the other hand, Julian Camilleri suggested that the team is well prepared to deal with the improved attacking creation shown by Lija Athletic, “We always train according to our next game and with the aim of building on what we have achieved. I do not expect us to be under too much pressure and I am certain that we will give more than a hundred percent to seal the three points.”
Although, Lija Athletic lacked composure in front of the net, they had good chances against Valletta. Asked about improving this conversion Jethron Azzopardi reflected on the progress and the determination of the team to take themselves to the next level by the end of the season. He said, “We are aware that we do not score a lot of goals. The team is also aware that this is our first season and despite many having low expectations, the team has put a performance against every team against all odds. We are working to improve our position by the end of the season.”
To this effect and considering that the teams drew the first encounter and San Gwann narrowly edged out the first, Jethron Azzopardi believes his team is ready to take back three points, “I am sure that as a team we have improved from the past two games against San Gwann and surely we will get what they deserve tomorrow.” The team have also been boosted in defence with the recruitment of Ylenia Azzopardi who joined from Birkirkara and was announced earlier today.
Encounters between the two have been absorbing fixtures and this is expected to be no different. The two will head onto the pitch at Dingli Ground to finalise the weekend at 16:30, following the encounter between Mtarfa and Valletta.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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