Balzan striker Alfred Effiong (right) tries to muscle his way past Floriana defender Andrea Scozzese. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Balzan’s setback to Floriana, their first in the league this term, has cost them top spot but coach Oliver Spiteri is backing his players to produce a bold response when they face neighbours Birkirkara today.

A return to winning form is what Balzan are aiming for but their task promises to be anything but plainsailing as Birkirkara are also gunning for the three points knowing that victory would propel them above their impending opponents.

“After our upset to Floriana, I expect a reaction from the players,” Spiteri told Times of Malta.

“We have worked on the negative points, particularly in our first-half showing last weekend, but it’s a must that we don’t repeat the same mistakes.

“It is still early in the season to gauge the weight of the game but there are three points at stake.

“Balzan always go out to win but we are aware that this will be another difficult test because of Birkirkara’s strength.”

Injuries and suspensions have deprived Spiteri of four players as Chilean midfielder Edison Zarate and Colombian defender Elkin Serrano Valero must serve a one-match ban while midfielder Ryan Fenech and striker Bojan Kaljevic are still sidelined.

Spiteri is confident that the team can absorb their absence.

“We have a few key players missing and they will surely be felt in the dressing room and on the pitch,” Spiteri said.

“This is not a new situation for us though as we had to do without other players this season and yet the team has always risen to the challenge.

“The motivation levels are high because my players relish games against teams like Birkirkara. So, I’m expecting my players to come up with the right response.”

While Spiteri is demanding a strong reaction from his team, Giovanni Tedesco, the Birkirkara coach, is heartened by his side’s spirited showing in a 1-1 draw against Hibs last weekend.

“This is not a decisive moment in the championship,” Tedesco said.

“The league is more balanced than last year as the majority of teams are well-equipped and they can do well.

“We want to win every game and this one is no exception but Balzan will be thinking the same. We know that we are facing a solid, tight-knit team even though they have some important players missing.”

Birkirkara’s laboured performances in the early weeks of the championship sparked a wave of scepticism but their showings of late have restored Tedesco’s optimism.

“Although the results have been generally positive, I felt that we were still missing something,” the former Floriana mentor said.

“In our last outing, we lifted our game collectively as well as in terms of the individual contribution from our players, aspects that we had lost in some of the previous matches.

“The result against Hibs aside, I was delighted to see my players fight until the end, all together, showing the kind of spirit that made the difference for us in the Europa League matches last summer.”

While Birkirkara have been one of the leading forces in the league for the past two decades, Balzan are still adapting to their new status as serious top-four challengers after breaking new ground last season by qualifying for the Europa League.

“The solidity of their team is there for all to see but administration-wise I think Balzan are probably one of the best-organised locally,” Tedesco said when asked for his views on Spiteri’s side.

“Balzan have a core of fine players and they also have a good coach… They have all the components to do well.”

Tedesco is unlikely to tinker with his formation from the 1-1 draw against Hibs but wing-back Edward Herrera is still recuperating from an adductor problem.

Playing Today

Hibs Stadium

Birkirkara vs Balzan 14.00
Sliema Wanderers vs Hibs 16.00

Tedesco Stadium

St Andrew’s vs Naxxar 14.00
Pembroke vs Floriana 16.15

Tomorrow

Tedesco Stadium

Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows 14.00
Mosta vs Valletta 16.15