by Valletta and Lija Athletic promise an exciting end to the weekend, with kick-off at 16:30 at Mgarr Ground, following the meet between Mgarr United and Mtarfa. Valletta will hope to do the double over Lija Athletic, but the latter come into it seeking revenge.
Return From International Break
The two teams will return from an international break which came on the back of defeats to Mgarr United and Hibernians. Valletta had a number of players called up to the U17 national team, who face Lija Athletic in a friendly over the break.
Despite losing out to Mgarr United, Valletta appeared to be hitting another gear in going forward before the break. Denis Guerra noted that this was something that they looked to build on, “The break was good to work on improving some finishing and other things like this.”
Similarly, Jethron Azzopardi suggested that the break came at a good time to develop their attacking prowess, “The team has been working hard on the final third to improve our goal scoring records. I am positive that the team has improved and hopefully it will be transferred in the next games.”
Reverse Fixture & Outlook
The first-round fixture provided plenty of excitement as Lija Athletic looked set to stun Valletta. However, Valletta roared back with three-goals, swinging the points in their favour. Since then, Valletta appear to have cemented their place in fifth with a comfortable margin to San Gwann, but also a gap to Mgarr United in fourth. However, Lija Athletic will know that three points will get them on par with San Gwann.
“We were losing by 1-0 in the first match, but the team showed good character and quality to win it. It was a positive game but obviously tomorrow is a different game.” said Valletta’s Denis Guerra. “We are open to any kind of performance, but it is obviously not an easy game. However, we are prepared so I am confident.”
His counterpart Jethron Azzopardi is expecting an exciting match and one that could see his team close the gap to San Gwann, “Both teams have improved from the first match. I think tomorrow will be an interesting encounter to watch and believe that the game can go both ways.”
The match will conclude this Assikura Women’s League weekend, with kick-off set at 16:30 at Mgarr Ground, following the encounter between Mgarr United and Mtarfa (14:00).
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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