by The Assikura Women’s League is back tonight as Valletta take on leaders Birkirkara at the Centenary Stadium (20:15). Denis Guerra’s Valletta had their hearts broken late by Jose’ Borg’s Stripes the first time out. Both coaches suggest that another absorbing encounter awaits, while offering some insight on potential transfer activity.
Match Expectations
The first match between the two sides was heading for a goalless draw following a stellar defensive display from Valletta, who appeared set to have successfully kept Birkirkara out of their net. However, the Stripes triumphed in the final ten minutes of the match thanks to goals by Marta Grosso and Alishia Sultana.
Valletta’s Denis Guerra suggests that the team will approach the match with a similar attitude, “We played a very attentive match against Birkirkara in the first round. We will approach the match with the same attention.” Asked about whether the return of some players from injury provides the possibility of changing tactics or the luxury of a stronger bench for changes, the coach said, “We recovered some players but some others are missing.”
On the other hand, Birkirkara have hit their groove since then, notching important wins to take their familiar place at the top rung of the league table just before the holiday period. However, the match against Valletta was one of those which evidently frustrated and had them scratching their heads for long durations.
Jose’ Borg acknowledged the organisation shown by the young Valletta outfit, “Valletta were tough opponents in the first round and in fact although we scored two goals which were late in the game. We had opportunities to score early on, but I don’t remove any merit from Valletta who did play really well.”
Nonetheless, Birkirkara’s coach expects his team to continue exactly were they left off before the holiday period and make it five wins on the trot. Borg said, “This time around we’re trying to improve from what we did in the first fixture against Valletta and since then we strengthened the squad. Although they also improved since that fixture against us, I think going forward we as a team are managing to create more goalscoring opportunities which I think will make a difference.”
Returns, Absences and The Possibility of Transfers
Despite many teams having had a busy summer transfer window, the January window brings with it an opportunity for teams to address any player shortages.
Valletta’s summer signing Marcelle de Oliveira Julio has been missing from action since their match against the Greens, at the end of November. Coach Denis Guerra confirmed that the Brazilian will unfortunately be a permanent absence due to family reasons forcing her to return to her home country. The summer signing had become a strong fixture in the Valletta forward line, scoring a total of eight goals in nine appearances. Captain Anna Aloisio has been their second best scorer, with six goals.
Not negating the possibility of transfer activity to replace the Brazilian, the side also still have a wealth of exciting talent already within their ranks who could fill the attacking role. This includes the likes of Suzanne Farrugia Sacco, Megan La Rosa and Sarah Vella Barberi. Assikura Women’s Youth League Player of the Month for October/November Francesca Bartolo also has shown a knack for both creating and scoring goals.
In defence, the team are also missing Gaia Antonelli, who was confirmed to suffer a long-term injury in mid-November. Denis Guerra confirmed that she will be undergoing surgery soon before starting her rehabilitation program.
In contrast, the Stripes received a boost in December with the official return of Sara Saliba, who Jose’ Borg confirmed will be making more appearances with the team throughout the season after the deal with Serie A Italian outfit Pomigliano fell through. Speaking of the forward, Borg said, “Sara is playing a very important role for us as a centre-forward. We are working to get her match fit as soon as possible. We know her abilities when playing for Birkirkara and her goalscoring could be very important in the big picture for us.”
Besides bringing goals, the young forward brings a physical central presence to the attack. The striker also has a good knack for holding up the ball, attributes which perhaps only the summer signing Francesca Chircop provides in the squad to the same effect. It’s a quality which provides a good mix together with the rather pacey wide forwards that the Stripes possess in their line-up.
Questioned about further transfer activity, including the possibility of outgoings, Borg acknowledged that he is happy with the squad but alluded to the possibility of further fresh faces and shuffles in the line-up.
Until then, the Assikura Women’s League returns tonight with the two clashing at 20:15 at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Images: Valletta FC Women / Lara Schembri
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