Match Preview: Swieqi United vs Hibernians

Swieqi United will welcome Hibernians at 20:30 tonight, in what is expected to be a thrilling contest to wrap up the double-header at Dingli Ground, following the match between Birkirkara and San Gwann. Take a look at our preview to see what the coaches had to say ahead of the match, including thoughts about the clashes in fixture times with the clubs’ own men senior team matches.

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It will be Swieqi United’s third fixture of the season, after they missed the second match against Birkirkara due to the latter’s involvement in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The Owls made short work of both Mtarfa and San Gwann, to maximise the points taken and accrue a healthy goal difference.

Questioned about the atmosphere in the dressing room following the opening victories, Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin, “The morale is high following the strong results obtained from the opening two matches. However, that is in the past and we must be focused on the next match.”

On the other hand, Hibernians have been no slouches in their opening three matches. They opened the season with a strong win over Valletta, before being held to a draw by rivals Mgarr United. Their fixture against Lija Athletic proved to be frustrating, but the team still managed to grab the three points.

Team News

The two teams will be without their first-choice goalkeepers. Swieqi United’s Paty will have to sit out the match following the sending off against San Gwann. However, Saviour Darmanin has shown faith in youngster Chanelle Borg, “She has already played the opening match of the season against Mtarfa and she is ready. As I have said before, I believe in our youngsters and Chanelle had a very strong pre-season with us having played minutes in all friendlies. Of course she is young so there is plenty to learn, but she will also have an experienced defence protecting her.”

Similarly, Keith Gouder was questioned about his own goalkeeping woes, because of an injury to newly signed goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj. The coach confirmed that Jivraj will need surgery and so will likely be out for the next month. Meanwhile, as to the effect of both sides having to do without their first-choice goalkeeper, Keith Gouder replied, “I’m sure that whoever will be playing in goal tomorrow will do their best so that the absence is not felt.” Probed about the return of captain Martina Borg after she missed the previous match against Lija Athletic, the coach said, “Martina Borg is recovering well, and she should be part of the match.”

How Teams May Shape Up

It will be an interesting clash to see how Keith Gouder and Saviour Darmanin will attempt to get the best of their squad in aim of securing the points. Swieqi United have been displaying very fluid and positive play. Questioned about the importance of this, against the potential of a low block which Gouder’s side used to good effect last year, Darmanin said, “We have a good squad with various qualities which allows us to be flexible in our approach to also adapt according to what the opponents may throw at us. However, we always take to the pitch with an intention to play our own game, but also have an ability to change things even with the options we have on the bench.

Meanwhile, Keith Gouder has not been one to shy away from using different systems to get the best out of the team. The side displayed some variation against Lija Athletic, notably even pushing Amy Busuttil up the pitch to aid in attack. Gouder was asked whether this is something that could be seen or whether they consider the match against Swieqi with a completely different setup. He replied, “The change in system against Lija was purely to have more options in midfield, especially since Lija played with only one striker up in front. Having said that, the team is quite versatile in different systems of play, so the players are able to adapt accordingly.”

Clashes in Fixtures Between Men’s & Women’s Teams

The weekend will kickstart the matches of senior men’s football in Malta in the BOV Premier League and the BOV Challenge League. A look at the fixture schedules shows that Hibernians’ and Swieqi United’s senior men teams will be playing at the exact same time as the women’s senior teams of the respective clubs. The situation forces club supporters to choose between showing support for the men’s or women’s team.

The Sporting Fan asked both coaches whether they think fixturing schedules should take into account both male and female senior teams, so that club supporters can show their support to both teams.

Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin said, “The fact that the women’s matches have been moved to the weekend has led to a positive increase in attendances, but of course such clashes will hinder the attendances. I understand that we have limited resources, but it would be good to avoid such scenarios of having the matches of the men’s and women’s games representing the same club from starting at exactly the same time. I think it could be avoided with some more thought.”

Hibernians’ Keith Gouder agreed, “It is important (to avoid this), because both supporters and people that are part of the club cannot be in two places at the same time. It puts a certain level of pressure on committee members, but if fixtures can be separated that would definitely increase the support for both men and women’s squads.”

The match will begin at 20:30, following the encounter between Birkirkara and San Gwann which begins at 18:00 (Dingli Ground). Tickets may be purchased for 2.50 Euro at the door.

Lead Images: Jonathan Sajeba / Chiara Faedo

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