by The Greens will welcome Valletta at the Mgarr Ground at 18:00 tonight, in the first of a double-header which will be completed with the encounter between San Gwann and Swieqi United. Denis Guerra and Michael Mangion weigh in on the encounter between the two.
The Balance Of The Match
The two will face each other for the first time this season with a number of new recruits to their teams. Valletta will be buoyant following their thumping victory over Mtarfa, while Mgarr United will want to get back to winning ways after their draw against Hibernians.
The two teams have strengthened over the summer. Asked whether the teams are willing to take a draw from the match, neither agreed. Valletta’s Denis Guerra said, “I am never happy with a draw, we go on the pitch to win. That is the mentality we must have.” Meanwhile, Mgarr United’s Michael Mangion was of a similar frame of mind, “Our mentality and attitude will be to win the three points from the game.”
Insight Into Pattern of Play
Considering the number of goals conceded by Mgarr United against Hibernians, it suggests that Valletta may have some options going forward, which if paired by their defensive structure could set them for a victory. Asked about how much he sees his team’s defensive abilities as a key foundation for that win, Denis Guerra replied, “The good defence starts with the first attacker that defends, so it has to do with the movement of the whole team. However, yes we worked a lot on the defensive phase so we will try to be as organised as possible, because they have a lot of individually talented players and so being organised makes it easier.”
Considering that the match will be played at the Mgarr Ground, one notes that the more confined space could aid the ability to remain compact at the back even further, as opposed to playing at Dingli or the Centenary Stadium. Asked whether this is of any concern, Mangion said, “It could be that they will be more compact defensively, but it is our home ground and we are comfortable there.”
Team News
Denis Guerra, was asked about whether he will be fielding the newly unveiled recruits for Valletta, Andressa De Souza Ramos and Eduarda Martins Souza. Guerra hinted in affirmative, “They are two quality players that we found from STARSCOUT from three hundred trials. They are not only good in footballing ability but also in personality, so I think they will give us a boost.”
Meanwhile, Mgarr United have been able to pick up points from their opening two matches both of which were highly physical. Their own new recruits will have had more time to gel after an already strong display against Hibernians, and it will be interesting to see how they fair against a potentially more compact defence.
Mgarr United’s match against the Paolites was highly intense, but asked about the recovery of the team and any potentially lurking injuries retained from the match, Michael Mangion said, “The team is recovering well physically and mentally.” Probed about whether Brenda Borg could make a return for the team this week, Mangion spoke positively, “We are hoping she will be part of the squad for this game.”
Finally, the European footballing community has been mourning the loss of Moldovan national team player, Violeta Mitul. The twenty-six year old defender passed away following an accident. The ties between Maltese and Moldovan football grew even stronger this year including because of Moldovan national team player Anastasia Sivolobova’s introduction to the league in Mgarr United’s colours. Michael Mangion noted, “It is a terrible tragedy. As a club and as a team we are making sure that Anastasia is given the space to grieve.” The Moldovan Women’s National Team has provided some information for those who wish to aid the Mitul family.
The match kicks off at 18:00 at the Mgarr Ground and will played during the UEFA Women’s Champions League encounter between FC Zurich and Birkirkara. Mgarr Ground will host San Gwann against Swieqi United following the match between Mgarr United and Valletta. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Lead Images: Valletta Women / Lara Schembri
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