by The stage is set for the top-of-the-table clash between Swieqi United and Birkirkara at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15 tonight. Saying a lot and also very little, Swieqi captain Dorianne Theuma and B’Kara coach Jose’ Borg’s comments underscore the balance of play, the likelihood of debuts and the bearing of the match on the title charge. This is one you do not want to miss.
Spanners In The Works
Although a seven-point lead appeared indestructible prior to Matchday 18, last week’s events provided more twists in the top-four side of the table to keep the chase open. Mgarr United continued to stoke fire in the title race by backing up their victory over Swieqi United the previous week, to hold Birkirkara to a draw on Friday. On their part, Swieqi United fully capitalised on the result by downing Hibernians on Saturday, to cut the gap to first-placed Birkirkara to five points.
Hibernians brought out a radically different setup for their match against Swieqi United, but the Owls passed the test nonetheless. Captain Dorianne Theuma was buoyed by her team’s positive response to the changes, “I am very satisfied with the way we reacted to the different set up Hibernians decided to opt for. As a team we weren’t fazed by the changes. We managed to identify them during the opening minutes of the game and had to slightly adapt our system tactically. Half-time helped us to iron out some positional issues and we came out stronger in the second half, ultimately taking home the three points.”
On the other hand, the Stripes’ Jose’ Borg weighed in on the performance, “As I said in the pre-match comments before the game against Mgarr, they are passing through a very good phase. They beat Swieqi before our game and showed good football. The gap between the top-four teams is minimal and so if the team is better than you on the day, they will certainly take the points. Mgarr took advantage of a mistake and although we dominated possession, we did not make the most of our chances and ultimately came out with a draw.”
However, Borg lamented the time-wasting tactics from the Greens which became more apparent as the Stripes chased the winning goal, “I did not like the time-wasting from their side which appeared to be a tactical move. I think this is not conducive to the football we would like to watch. It’s true that a team will try to take points whichever way they can and perhaps playing against us, a draw was still a positive for them. However, I think it’s disrespectful to the game when so much time is wasted. I think in the second half we did not have more than ten minutes of actual play. It’s not good football and not good for the future if all the women’s teams start to play like this.”
Potential Debuts?
The two teams were active in the January transfer window and both opted to strengthen their attack. Swieqi United welcome Ana Jessica Araujo Rodrigues, while Birkirkara brought Hailey Russell to the fold (besides defender Nanako Kobayashi). However, the two strikers are yet to feature for either side.
Asked about the potential appearance of Rodrigues in tonight’s match, Swieqi United’s skipper was unyielding, but praised the commitment and work ethic from the forward, “As per league rules, we can only list four foreigners on a match day squad. Therefore this is always decided when our squad list is submitted for each game. At the moment all our foreign players are performing and training hard. Ana is no exception, she is working hard day in day out and is a perfect example of a professional player.”
Meanwhile, Jose’ Borg suggested that Russell’s debut is unlikely tonight, “She’s integrating with the team, so it won’t be so easy to make it within the squad for the game. It’s a big occasion, so it’s difficult to put someone into the fire like that. There will be changes in the squad but I do not think that Hailey will be part of the twenty.” Despite this, the Stripes’ boss has been known to throw a few surprises here and there.
The Bearing Of Tonight’s Match
Being one of two final direct encounters between the two frontrunners in the league, Swieqi United and Birkirkara, the match is no doubt pegged as one that will have an important swing in the title race.
Five points adrift of Birkirkara, Swieqi have the opportunity to cut the gap to two points and set the stage for a dramatic end to the league. However, the Stripes have been winning consistent titles for a reason. The draw against Mgarr United will likely only serve as more fuel for tonight and the defending champions will want to put daylight between them and their nearest rivals.
Having met four times already this season, the two teams have been deadlocked in half their encounters, while each team has managed to win a match. As hinted at prior to the start of the final phase, the repetition of the direct encounters will provide coaches with a headache of whether to stick to the proven tactic or introduce an element of unpredictability to unlock their opponent. On the other hand, they must also be ready to adjust to any changes the other side puts forward.
Asked about this element of the match, Swieqi United’s captain Dorianne Theuma weighed in, “Given we faced Birkirkara four times this season, we are aware of the strengths their squad possesses. We will go down to the pitch believing in our game plan and we will stick to it. Having said this, every game has its own story and as a team we have to react and adapt to each situation, as we did last week against Hibernians.”
Birkirkara’s Jose’ Borg acknowledged the balance between the two, but suggests that B’Kara will not shy away from the opponent’s goal, “Against Swieqi it is always a fifty-fifty match. They are a good team, and the results that we’ve had show that the two teams are very equal. Every game is important and we go out to win the match irrespective of who we play against. We’ll keep trying to play football and score more. My philosophy is never to be defensive and always try to grow in our game.”
Looking at the overarching objective, Borg acknowledged the importance of the match, while at the same time rejecting its result is the end-all-be-all of the title challenge, “This is a game that might or might not determine league. Should they beat us, we’ll have a two point lead, but it’s still a lead going into the final direct encounter. If we win, then it’s an eight point lead which puts us in a more comfortable position. I think whatever the result the league is still open, because as we’ve seen the top-four teams are taking points from each other.”
Borg concluded with the importance of consistency in chasing league titles, “There is no point winning the direct encounter and then losing against another team.”
How To Watch
Both sides said a lot and perhaps also very little, which likely truly underscores the importance of the match for the two. Like any football encounter, three points are the maximum reward on the night, but the two teams go into it with a determination to tug silverware towards their side.
From late winners, to stunning responses, the encounters have provided nail-biting drama and this match is expected to take it up a notch. It may be just a Thursday but the support of those in the stands may just make the difference in the pressure points of the match.
For those following Malta’s title chase from beyond Maltese shores or those who cannot make it in person, the tie will be broadcast delayed* on TVM Sports+.
*EDIT: Late changes in the broadcast schedule indicate match will be aired delayed instead of live.
Lead Image: Michael Azzopardi
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