by Swieqi United and Valletta will conclude the final weekend of the Assikura Women’s League before the holiday period at Dingli Ground (KO 16:30). The Owls will be looking to secure three points to keep the title race going, while Valletta will do their best to frustrate them.
Match Expectations
Swieqi United will head into the match following a mid-week defeat to Birkirkara which saw them relinquish the Super Cup trophy. Swieqi United’s coach, Saviour Darmanin, noted that the three-day turnaround means that there is very little time to recover both mentally and also physically, considering that the Owls had another direct confrontation last Saturday against Hibernians (which they drew).
However, the team appears to be ready for the next challenge. Darmanin said, “As expected losing a trophy lowers the moral. So, during the past days, both myself and the technical staff worked together to lift our moral and that of the players. We are focused on learning from that match and looking forward to bouncing back in this fixture against Valletta.”
He continued, “This will be our final match in this calendar year and I look forward to seeing the players going out onto the pitch with a strong determination to continue in our trajectory in the league. Valletta is a young team, with an interesting squad and we must go to the pitch motivated and with a clear vision of why we want to win these matches.”
On the other hand, Valletta come into the match high on confidence following their victory over Lija Athletic. However, asked whether he deems his adversary to be vulnerable following the Super Cup defeat, Denis Guerra is on the contrary expecting Swieqi United to come out guns blazing.
He said, “Swieqi United are a strong team and the fact that they are coming from a loss will make them even more dangerous. They may have lost one trophy, but certainly the league title is the biggest aim and the most difficult. I expect them to come into the match all out ready to try to get the three points, because the league is so competitive that you cannot lose points.”
Team Selections
Swieqi United faced two direct competitors in a span of a few days, considering that they drew against Hibernians, before the Super Cup final against Birkirkara. This is something that Saviour Darmanin is considering when making his selections. “I will look at the players’ recovery to make decisions on selections, especially those who played many minutes against both Hibernians and Birkirkara. However, certainly there will be a few changes both from the perspective of resting a few players, but also tactically. “
Asked about Rafanny Abache Mendoza, who has appeared to be carrying an injury for some matches, Saviour Darmanin responded that the injury is nothing serious. Meanwhile, considering the young talents of Valletta often clash with the young players of Swieqi United in the youth league, Darmanin was also probed about the possibility of fielding these younger players.
Youth development is something that Darmanin has spoken extensively about since taking over the team and it is something that he appears to be keen on continuing, “I’ve never had any issues to play young players who work hard and deliver on the pitch. In fact, I had no problem fielding Kaysia Micallef in the final, even though it was a big occasion and she did well. She directly contributed to the goal by winning the ball back to start the attack and had a good first half with the team. Although as a team we suffered defeat and collectively had a poor second half, that was a collective issue. Looking at her individual contribution, I think the performance continued to merit her selections.”
Speaking more broadly he continued, “Likewise, I have had no issue fielding other players who show the necessary commitment and performance. Unfortunately, there are cases where you would like to field some players but they may not be available for one reason or other. In selections I also have to choose those who best fit the system of play that we have at the club.”
Meanwhile, Valletta have been without Marcelle de Oliveira Julio, who is understood to have needed personal time off due to family matters. However, the team had a positive boost against Lija Athletic, following the return of Sarah Vella Barberi from injury. Asked about her return, Valletta’s Denis Guerra said, “She is an important player for us and we are keen to have her back because of all that she brings to the team.”
Denis Guerra has also continuously kept adversaries on their toes with shifts in systems, while also not being afraid to push players out of comfort zones. Traditionally observed in the centre-back role, Georgiana Mifsud has been making more appearances in midfield and most recently as a wing-back. The shift has resulted in Sabrin Blihi being in the company of Lisa Vella and Michela Bonello Ghio in defence.
Asked to weigh in on these changes, Denis Guerra said, “Georgiana Mifsud is another very important and good player for us, technically and physically gifted so she can play in different positions. I like my defensive line to be skilful with their footwork so that they can build attacks, which is how we want to play. So, having these players like Sabrin, Georgiana, now Lisa and also Michela, you are able to do these things.” As expected, the Swiss coach was keen on keeping cards close to the chest on how the team takes to the pitch.
The two will finalise proceedings at Dingli Ground (kick-off 16:30), following the top-of-the-table clash between Birkirkara and Hibernians.
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