by The final match of the third Assikura Women’s League weekend will pit San Gwann against Swieqi United at Mgarr Ground, which will follow the encounter between Valletta & Mgarr United. Julian Camilleri’s side will likely face their toughest test yet as Saviour Darmanin’s team will want nothing than a strong win in their second game in the campaign.
Recent Form & Expectations
The encounters between the two last season were heavily one-sided towards the Owls, and at minimum Julian Camilleri’s team will want to have a more respectable scoreline. However, the team has shown that that they are not afraid to fancy their chances at taking points even from title contenders and so it is unlikely that they will start in this game.
San Gwann managed to secure a point against newcomers Lija Athletic last week, despite perhaps aiming for all three points. However, having gotten on the scoreboard and proven to be a tough opponent in their opening fixture against Mgarr United, the team will hope to continue their resilient displays against Swieqi United.
Asked about the team’s aims for the match against a title contender, San Gwann’s Julian Camilleri said, “Our aim for the first four games is still to equal last year’s total tally of three points. Considering this, while aware of Swieqi United’s strength on the ball, we will fight to maximise the points that we can take from the match. We understand their pattern of play and are ready.”
Probed further about any concern on Swieqi United’s ability to dominate possession, Camilleri said, “They are very strong in this and so we must make sure to deny them this control because that will significantly limit their strength in the match. Once we do that, then we must be prepared to take our own chances going forward.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United will come into the match following their opening 7-1 victory against Mtarfa, after having had their second league match postponed due to Birkirkara’s commitments in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Swieqi United’s head coach, Saviour Darmanin, was questioned about the team’s willingness to be focused and fight against a much improved San Gwann team, who may be primed to disrupt the rhythm of the match. He said, “As a team we are approaching each match as if it is a final. While observing the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition, we want to play our own style of football. I believe the attitude and mentality are very important and in order to reach our aims we must work together as a team. Things may not go always our way in the match, but it is important that we are able to adapt to the changing circumstances.”
Insight Into Potential Line-Ups
San Gwann’s Camilleri was probed about the return of Annabelle Rapa, as well as the situation on Shania Borg. The coach said, “Our situation with injuries is an issue for us. Our captain Annabelle Rapa is still recovering, while Shania Borg will be sidelined for a long-spell after getting injured while warming up for the match against Lija Athletic, last week. Additionally, there are a number of players who are currently dealing with some minor injuries but will still be sidelined for the match.” Despite this, Camilleri noted that the team is ready to compete, “Although these limit us, we will still play our own game in search of reaching our targets, thanks to the depth in the squad.”
His opposite number has also been dealt a number of injuries to prominent players as highlighted in the preview against Mtarfa. However, Saviour Darmanin is also yet to deploy the newly recruited Patricia Araujo who could be making her debut against San Gwann, while Rafanny Abache Mendoza is also yet to make an appearance this year.
Asked about the potential of seeing the two, Saviour Darmanin noted the likelihood of their appearance. However, the coach also nodded to the importance of the team having a balance of experience and youth. “I think we have a capable squad, with experienced players and also ambitious younger players who are doing the hard work to earn a place in the first eleven. It makes me believe that we can continue to add to our positive start of the season.”
The match will kick off at 21:00 in Mgarr Ground , following the encounter between Valletta and Mgarr United which kicks off at 18:00. Tickets at the door.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Jonathan Sajeba
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[…] to maintain their presence in the first eleven. However, as mentioned by Julian Camilleri in the pre-match interview, there were a number of different starters from the last match, including Nicole Saliba, Maria […]