by Swieqi United will be welcoming Hibernians at the Charles Abela Stadium at 20:30 this evening. Dorianne Theuma and Martina Borg discussed their latest victories, while giving an update on their sidelined players. Separated by just three points, tonight’s exploits should throw a fiercely contested match that could start to make early inroads in the table or tighten the pack once more.
Different Margins, Same Three Points
Swieqi United and Hibernians will be dancing their first dance this season as Hibernians aim for a fourth consecutive victory, while the defending champions will hope to down the Paolites and equal their tally. The two teams come into the match on the back of victories, albeit to different goalscoring margins.
A single goal was enough to separate Swieqi United against Birkirkara, though the side could have gone on to rue early missed chances but for a stoic penalty save to keep their clean sheet intact.
Still, Dorianne Theuma saw the positives in the performance, “We started the match well, and the early goal gave us a good platform. Perhaps we could have been sharper in the final third, but overall I am satisfied with the way we created chances throughout the game.”
However, the Owls are looking for more ruthlessness in search for further success, “At the same time, we recognise that in certain situations we could have done better and it’s important we don’t take anything for granted. These are the areas we want to improve on moving forward.”
On the flip side, Hibernians enjoyed a free-scoring evening against Valletta, with seven chances converted amid plenty of creation.
Martina Borg was elated by the performance, “It was a very positive performance overall. I think putting the score aside, the players played beautiful football and truly implemented what we are doing in training. We dominated from start to finish, and although we missed some chances, I believe the team did their best and they’re starting to implement certain principles which we’ve been trying to introduce since pre-season.”
Substitutes also made their mark from the bench which Borg welcomed in terms of the competitiveness of the squad, “I was very happy that everyone who started and also came into the match made an impression. So, it’s a positive headache for me now to choose who starts this evening.”
Injury Update
Swieqi United’s list of injuries is extensive, including defensive duo Rafanny Mendoza Abache and Tammy Falzon. Jade Flask remains on the sidelines while Sara Saliba also left the pitch at half-time against Birkirkara following picking up a knock. The list was compounded mid-way through the week with Maria Vella also stretchered off the pitch.
Questioned for an update, Dorianne Theuma was unyielding on details, “The players are recovering well, with the exception of Maria, who unfortunately sustained an injury this week while on duty with the U21s. The rest are making good progress and we remain optimistic about having the full squad available in the near future.”
Hibernians’ were also missing Leah Ayres up front last week, with Martina Borg replying, “She suffered an ankle injury against Birkirkara but is recovering and will be with the squad this evening. However, the ankle is a bit of a fragile part so we are being careful and making sure she’s fully fit before she plays her part.”
Points To Edge Forward Or To Close The Gap
The two sides are separated by three points with Hibernians in the lead. A victory for Hibernians could see them top the table, should Mgarr falter against Birkirkara on Saturday (Dingli Ground, KO 20:30).
Meanwhile, Swieqi United will be looking to hand Hibernians a first defeat in search of equalling their tally. Should they prevail, then the onus would be on Mgarr to win against the Stripes and carve out a gap, or for Birkirkara to claw back a three-way leading pack.
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Hibernians have taken a different shape and approach under Martina Borg’s leadership, with the two teams thus far looking to control the ball. The two coaches were probed on their thoughts of how the tactical battle might shape up and whether it requires one side to flinch in approach to prevail.
Dorianne Theuma praised Borg’s start to life as a head coach of Hibernians, “Martina has introduced her own philosophy and has organised the team very effectively.” However, the Swieqi coach was unyielding on the gameplan, “We know Hibernians will provide a strong challenge, so it will be important for us to maintain our intensity and focus throughout the match. Our aim is to approach the game with the right mindset and be prepared for different situations.”
Her counterpart Martina Borg suggested things could get pretty intense in the centre of play, “I think we can expect things to be heavily contested midfield. They also have a very fast forward line so we must be careful how to set our back line.”
The Hibernians’ coach believes her side is ready to face the defending champions, “We’ve been training hard and the players know what our aims are in the match. Ultimately, as I’ve said in previous weeks we prepare for every match with the same mentality and focus, but make small tweaks according to the opposition.”
Martina Borg summed up the enthusiasm building for one of the key encounters of the weekend, “It’s been a good week of training and we’re looking forward for the battle against Swieqi. Hopefully it will be a nice game for the neutrals and a contested match that will be balanced and offers some positive things from certain individuals who actually want to make the difference in our league.”
From former teammates to head coaches, Dorianne Theuma and Martina Borg will be leading their sides into a battled fixture for three crucial points at the Charles Abela Stadium. Kick-off at 20:30.
Lead Image: Elise Bajada
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