by Equal in points and on the right side of the table, Swieqi United and Mgarr United will brace themselves for hard-fought encounter this afternoon at Dingli Ground, with the match starting at 15:00. Dorianne Theuma and Ryan Vella discussed tactical decisions and the importance of driving momentum in view of this afternoon’s tussle and the bigger picture.
Carrying Good Momentum
The two teams will head to today’s clash on the back of commanding victories and with clean sheets to boot. Swieqi United head into it on the back of a 9 – 0 victory against Mtarfa, making it three wins in a row. Mgarr United come into it on the back of a 5 – 0 victory over Lija Athletic, and are yet to be beaten this season.
Swieqi United’s coach, Dorianne Theuma, provided a balanced view of the match against Mtarfa, “Probably scoring during the first minute of the game didn’t help much as players relaxed, which made them lose focus. Eventually they increased the tempo of the game and started playing some good football, creating several opportunities.”
Eyeing the complete performance, the Swieqi United coach also praised the contributions of those coming into the match, “Something worth noting is the way our substitutes are coming off the bench. They are keeping the intensity of the game high and giving an extra boost to the team.”
On the other hand, Mgarr United managed to break down a defensive Lija Athletic. Ryan Vella was pleased with the way his team broke down the opponent, with several players stepping up to the challenge at hand, “The team had a very solid performance all around against Lija and it was rewarded by goals for a lot of different players which is always a positive.”
Having been shut out by Valletta earlier in the season who deployed a similar defensive approach, the Mgarr United coach underscored the importance of the win in showing the team’s ability to learn from the encounter. He said, “We learned a lot from the goalless draw against Valletta and that game was crucial for us heading into games against San Gwann and Lija. We made some small changes after that match that gave us rewards in the following games.”
Tactical Outlook
The two sides head into it with several goals scored from set-pieces in recent matches, albeit against weaker opposition. However, the tighter confines of Dingli Ground will could play a part in making set-pieces another crucial ingredient for earning a victory.
Known as a prolific set-piece taker, Dorianne Theuma gave her take on the relevance dead-ball situations, “We are very aware that set-pieces in general are always a great opportunity that can make or break a game. Luckily, we have technically good individuals who can make the most of these situations. However, it always comes down to the execution, which is not always as easy as it looks, but we are working on it.”
Her counterpart, Ryan Vella, agreed on the importance of utilising such opportunities, especially in matches of fine margins, “Set-pieces are a very important aspect in the present game and we know that, against the top teams, small details in set-pieces can win or lose a match.”
Preferring to focus on the strengths of his adversary, the Mgarr United finished, “Swieqi are a physical side, with tall players that are strong in the air, so we definitely need to be fully concentrated during those type of situations.”
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma has eyed consistency in her system, preferring to utilise a diamond in midfield. On the other hand, Ryan Vella has switched between a back four and back-three with wing-backs, making the Mgarr United side less predictable going into this one.
Questioned about preparing for such a team, Dorianne Theuma, cast a wider net, “As a team we focus on our own game and adapt to every situation we may face. Although tactics are crucial, sometimes it is about looking at the bigger picture. Having the right attitude, winning the fifty-fifty duels, going into the game mentally prepared and determined to do your best.”
On the other hand, Ryan Vella highlighted that though expected, the rhythm to Swieqi United’s play can be handful for teams. He said, “Swieqi have a very particular system which can be very tricky to face. They keep the ball well, press high and they have a lot of good individuals which can make a difference in game.”
As to his team’s preparations, Vella continued, “For us, we always try to play our own game – in all games – which is to be offensive and try to deny space to the opponents as much as possible. However, at the same time, we’re always ready to adapt to different circumstances during games.”
Three Points On The Board, Momentum In The Season
The two sides head into it with twelve points on the board apiece, with a desire to distinguish themselves in third place at the end of the first round. Neither side have been able to grab a victory against Birkirkara or Hibernians, who sit at the top two places of the table, although Mgarr United managed draws against the sides, whereas Swieqi United had to swallow tough defeats.
Dorianne Theuma made clear the intention take home all three points in search of building pace toward the upper echelons of the table, “As always, we always go out to win against any competitor. Of course against teams ranked higher in the table, winning will be crucial. Not only points-wise, but as a mental boost to close off the first round.”
Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella is heading into this one with eyes firmly set on a victory to inject momentum toward the top places, “We know there’s a lot of games and direct encounters still to come, but I feel that these type of games are very important. A win in these games can certainly boost a team’s moral and that can help in future games as well. We come off some positives results in the previous games and we look ahead to try to finish the first round as strongly as possible.”
The stage is set for the two sides who will initiate the double-header at Dingli Ground at 15:00, in search of ending the first round in third place. The match to be followed by Lija Athletic against Hibernians (17:30), with the latter eyeing a first place finish and an unbeaten end to the first round.
Lead Images: Lara Schembri
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