by Swieqi United and Birkirkara will be initiating today’s double-header at Dingli Ground, starting at 14:00. Dorianne Theuma and Vince Galea discussed the positives and short-comings of their sides in their last encounter. Equal on points in the table, both are focused on breaking away this afternoon.
The Devil In The Detail
As the sixteenth match of the league approaches, Swieqi United and Birkirkara are equal in points (32), sandwiched between Hibernians (first, 36*) and Mgarr United (fourth, 31).
Swieqi United head into this one following a goalless draw against the Greens, but the side came close more than once to opening the scoreline. Dorianne Theuma was questioned on whether she takes the positive of a return to points or whether it was two more points dropped against the Greens, having suffered a 1 – 0 defeat the week before.
She picked apart the performance, “We were more disciplined compared to our last encounter against them. However, we still didn’t manage to capitalise, which is not ideal at this point in the league. Having said this, I’m happy that we managed to create many opportunities. Now it’s time to take another step forward and be more lethal in front of goal.”
Birkirkara walked away empty-handed against Hibernians, despite a resurgent second-half to earn a 4 – 3 score, after trailing by 4 – 0. Vince Galea spoke about the importance of taking chances ahead of that fixture and his words reverberated as the side squandered the early opportunities and were punished by the Paolites.
The Birkirkara coach was positive about the second-half response, but believed his side should have not let themselves get to that position. He said, “No, definitely not happy. We started the game very strongly, but we were not clinical in the opposition’s box and we made mistakes in our box, and conceded the goals. The energy from the girls in the second half, being four goals down was super, but the game was far from what we expect. Our levels should definitely improve.”
Transfers & Evolving Dynamics
Swieqi United remain the only top four side yet to announce any January signings. Dorianne Theuma discussed her transfer philosophy in view of the players at her disposal but did not negate the possibility of transfers, “Obviously more options will definitely give us more depth, allowing us to rotate and rest players. Having said this, I’m more than happy with the way players are responding and handling the situations at hand.”
Meanwhile, having acquired the signature of Viverly Nanez, while losing Yuna Hazekawa, Birkirkara have experienced a change in what had become a settled midfield. Luana Vitoria Cabral has often been trusted as the most offensive midfielder, but Vince Galea was probed about the idea of a more fluid midfield considering the changes.
As expected the Birkirkara coach did not give much away on rotations, but his response suggests there’s plenty going in between matchdays. He said, “Through our training, we do aim for our midfielders to score goals and we have seen other midfielders scoring important goals. We aim to find a the right balance in the team.”
Reluctant To Call It
Both sides have won a match in the league against each other this season with rather confident scorelines. The Super Cup final threw another result into the mix, with Swieqi United walking away with it by 2 – 1.
However, both sides walk into this one somewhat wounded. Dorianne Theuma was questioned about whether Hibernians’ goalscoring spree against Birkirkara gives her side more confidence for a win, considering Swieqi United’s own goal-drought.
The Swieqi United coach is not underestimating the task at hand, “As I’ve mentioned before, we’re up against the reigning champions, a team with plenty of experience. The way they came back from being 4-0 down to score three goals shows the resilience they have. That kind of character is something we’re fully aware of. We know we need to stay focused for the full ninety minutes, no matter what. Our main goal is to play our best football and give ourselves the best chance to win.”
Likewise, Birkirkara’s Vince Galea was probed about whether Swieqi United’s recent lack of goals gives them an advantage going into this one. He appears to be focused more on his own troops and appeared reluctant to hold much regard to past clashes, “I prefer to focus on our statistics and try to improve those during the week. In the end, the statistics during the game are what matters.”
The two sides kick-start an afternoon of Top Four football at Dingli Ground at 14:00. The match will be followed by the clash between Hibernians and Mgarr United (16:30).
*Edit: points tally previously incorrectly set at 33.
Lead Image: Lara Schembri
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[…] The stage is set for what one hopes to be another good battle. Mgarr United and Hibernians take to the pitch at 16:30, with the clash following the match between Swieqi United and Birkirkara (14:00). […]