by The clash between Swieqi United and Mgarr United kicks off at 17:30, following the match between San Gwann and Hibernians. The match promises a tense conclusion to today’s double-header at Mgarr Ground, before players head for the international window. The Greens come into the match still unbeaten, however Swieqi United will want nothing more than to put an end to that streak.
An Important Clash
The two sides come into the match on the back of strong victories. Swieqi United delivered a strong second-half performance to secure a 5-1 win over Valletta, while Mgarr United won by 7-0 over Lija Athletic.
Mgarr United come into the clash still unbeaten in their first five matches and have only dropped points in a draw against Hibernians. On the other hand, Swieqi United have also won three out of four matches played, losing out only to Hibernians. For the Greens, winning this encounter would be another important step to get some distance in the top two places (considering that Birkirkara have matches in hand). However, the Owls will prove tough opposition, where a win would allow them to head into the break with just one point less than the Greens and a match in hand which will pit them against Birkirkara.
The two camps were probed by a similar set of questions however no responses were received from the Mgarr United camp at the time of writing. Questioned whether he believes that this is a must win match for this team, Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin said, “It is an important match, however all matches are must wins if you want to win titles. I think Mgarr United are in a way the team to beat in the moment considering that they are unbeaten in the first five matches and so are seated at the top of the table. This is a team that has strengthened and are showing their intentions of competing for the title. However, we focus on our own game and I view this as a fifty-fifty battle. The winner will be the team that shows up with the best football on the day.”
Player Updates & Key Battles
Swieqi United’s injury list continued to grow in their last match against Valletta, where Mandy Debono had to be stretchered out from the match. Questioned about her situation, Darmanin said, “Tests are underway, so it is too early to tell the exact details. However, I am happy that early indications suggest that it may not be an ACL injury. The way she got injured was unfortunate, but Mandy has great character and hopefully the injury is not too long-term but everything needs to take its time.”
Despite the blow, Saviour Darmanin noted that the team will be boosted by the return of their captain, Dorianne Theuma. “Having our captain back is a positive that motivates the squad against this new injury set-back to Mandy Debono.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United’s captain Maia Debono missed out on the last match against Lija Athletic due to injury, but could make a return against the Owls. There will also be a battle within the war as Fernanda Peinado and Chantelle Grech both come up against their former teammates for the first time. The duo swiftly cemented their place in the first eleven of Mgarr United since the start of the season and will want nothing more than three more points to continue the side’s upward trajectory in the league. Mirayah Aquilina could also feature against Swieqi United after she returned to the Greens following a loan spell with the Owls.
Tactical & Psychological Battle
The two teams have been utilising fast possession-based football to find the net with big numbers in most matches. Considering this, the two coaches were probed on whether they think that the match is more likely to be decided by the strongest defensive units.
Swieqi United’s Saviour Darmanin said, “The two teams I believe are strong in every department. This is why I believe that it is a balanced match and that the win will go to the team who is best able to exploit the weaknesses and makes the least mistakes on the day.”
Additionally, the match will be played in Mgarr Ground, which sets the Greens on home turf. Questioned whether he believes that ending Mgarr United’s unbeaten streak on their home soil gives his team an extra incentive, Saviour Darmanin said, “Playing them at their home ground could be an advantage or a disadvantage, but it is not something that I preoccupy myself with too much. The winner will be the team who is most organised, makes the least mistakes and scores the most goals.”
Speaking on the effect it may have on the balance of support, Darmanin continued, “I have no doubt that Mgarr will have their supporters, so it will be important for our supporters to also be there for our players, which surely would boost the team in the match.”
The battle starts at 17:30 at Mgarr Ground, following the initial encounter between San Gwann and Hibernians (15:00). Following Saturday’s matches the teams will break for another international window that will see the return of the UEFA Women’s Nations League in Europe.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri / Jonathan Sajeba
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[…] encounter commences at 15:00 at Mgarr Ground, and will be followed by the clash between Swieqi United and Mgarr United (17:30). Following Saturday’s matches the teams will break for another international window […]