by Valletta and Swieqi United will be returning to league action at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00. Anton Cremona and Dorianne Theuma provided two very contrasting impacts of the three-week break on their teams while setting the stage for the penultimate match of 2025.
Long Break
Although their youth teams were in action on Tuesday, Valletta and Swieqi’s senior teams will be returning to action after a fairly long hiatus following the international break and the Jubilee Cup final.
Valletta suffered a 4 – 2 defeat at the hands of nearest rivals San Gwann in their last fixture, with the team finding the goals late on but too late for the scoreboard.
Anton Cremona reflected on the showing, “I think we started off well against San Gwann, but we made silly mistakes that cost us two goals. They threw us backwards not just in the score but also mentally, because it was a match that we believed we could win. I think the team struggled to maintain that positive mentality and only found it in the final ten minutes, where in fact we hit the post and scored twice. We had more opportunities to change the score as well.”
The Valletta coach suggested that the long break has disrupted the side rather than helped it, “It’s a long break. I think at times it would be much better if we continue going, because players lose interest and motivation when there are such long breaks. It becomes more of a holiday period and it becomes a struggle to work on what you would like to work on.”
Swieqi United were held to a goalless draw by Hibernians in their final outing before the break. Questioned on its impact on the title race, Dorianne Theuma cast a wider view of the side’s run of form, “I think we went into the break after a generally positive run of results. We only lost on penalties to Mgarr in the Jubilee Cup, and the draw against Hibs came against a side that has strengthened significantly in the second round with the addition of several foreign players. In the rest of the league matches, we won with good margins and delivered strong performances.”
The Swieqi coach also welcomed the international period, “It was also very positive for us, with many of our players involved with their national teams. So overall, the break allowed us to reset while still keeping good momentum.”
Potential Tweaks
The two teams last met at the end of September, with Swieqi United earning a strong 6 – 1 victory.
Valletta’s approach was to remain compact, but the side put their name on the scoreboard with a well-taken free-kick, courtesy of Shakira Bugeja. However, to win points, the first job will be to keep out the Owls.
It is a team that has looked vulnerable against pace, but has also leaked goals in general. In fact, Anton Cremona did not give much insight on improvement during the international break, but questioned about stopping goals conceded he replied, “Yes we are being too slow as a defence, but we are alos making too many mistakes in midfield, and other teams take the opportunity.”
Looking at tonight’s match, the Valletta coach continued, “I think Swieqi are a good team and I think the break served them well. We must believe that we can play football and limit our mistakes.” The Citizens are expected to be boosted by the return of youngster Hannah Fenech.
Meanwhile, Swieqi United’s Dorianne Theuma deployed further changes in full-back positions against Hibernians, with Jade Flask popping up at left-back late on. Questioned about the rotations and the relevance of versatility, Theuma highlighted the importance of squad depth, “We’re fortunate to have full-backs with different characteristics, and that gives us valuable options on both flanks. Jade Schembri has been performing very well in training, and that translated into consistent, tactically disciplined performances in the last two matches. Sarah Urpani and Thea Ida Scicluna are also doing well.”
She continued, “As for Jade Flask, it’s not the first time she has played in that position, and her versatility is an asset. However, since she is coming back from an important injury, we need to manage her carefully. The flexibility will continue to help us, but we will also make decisions with the long-term development and wellbeing of the squad in mind.”
Up front, Kaysia Micallef also earned her first minutes with the youth team since returning from injury and from her spell away with the club during the mid-week match against Birkirkara.
Questioned about an opportunity for further tweaks in view of the last match of the calendar year which will follow, against Mgarr United, Dorianne Theuma suggested the team is firmly eyeing the Valletta encounter on its own merit.
“Even though we won convincingly the last time we faced Valletta, they were missing two key players in Joelma (Alves Gabriel) and Eliza (Csik). We can’t take this match lightly. For us, this game is an important opportunity to regain rhythm and perform at our best. Every point counts, and we have to approach every game as a final. While it will help us prepare for Mgarr, our full focus must be on Valletta and delivering the performance we need.”
The two teams will initiate proceedings at 18:00 at the Charles Abela Stadium in the only match not to feature any changes this weekend. Mgarr United and Hibernians will also be returning to league action with revenge brewing at 19:00 at the Centenary Stadium.
Lead Image: RPC Photo MT
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[…] The two teams will take to the pitch at 19:00 at the Centenary Stadium. Valletta and Swieqi United will also be in action at the Charles Abela Stadium at 18:00. […]