Derby again takes centre stage

Valletta-Floriana derbies have always captured the imagination of local football fans for many a year. The fierce rivalry between these two neighbouring clubs has been epitomised by some memorable duels still fresh in the minds of both sets of supporters.

Today, they will lock horns for the second time this season (kick-off 2 p.m.) and if their first meeting is a good indication of what to expect than everything looks to be pointing towards another cracking match.

Floriana have traumatic memories of that September 7 clash. They looked heading towards a comfortable win when leading 2-0 midway through the first half. But the Greens seemed to have forgotten all about derby passion as City produced an astonishing comeback with a late Mark Galea goal earning Valletta a memorable 3-2 win.

That success launched Valletta onto an impressive run of results and by the end of the first round J.J. Aquilina's troops found themselves in second place... indeed a remarkable feat for a team who had set Championship Pool qualification as their top priority this season.

Aquilina yesterday told The Times that a win today would have an extra positive effect on his players... a double over their rivals and another significant step towards a top-six finish.

"Many consider this derby as Valletta's most important fixture on the calendar," Aquilina said. "The atmosphere during the build-up is something I have never experienced before. I think that our 3-2 win over Floriana should be an ideal source of inspiration for the players. The spirit and determination shown by my team on that day was exceptional.

"We're fully focused on the task awaiting us. Three other points would draw us nearer to our goal. I'm sure Floriana will be out for revenge but my players have worked well this week... I have no doubt that we will give our fans another day to remember."

That first round upset was hard to fathom for Willie Vassallo. The Floriana coach was disappointed to see his team failing to build up on a bright start and is expecting a good response today.

"I hope the players have learnt their lesson from that defeat," Vassallo said.

"Losing in those circumstances was hard to take. Some felt they had let down both the club and fans. Now, we have the chance to make up for that setback.

"Facing Valletta is always an important match for us whatever the occasion. Besides, we have yet to make sure of a top-six finish... nothing less than the three points will do."

Karl Bonnici is out through suspension for Valletta. Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx is also likely to skip the match with a hip injury. But Massimo Grima returns from suspension and Serb striker Nemanja Vucasinovic is now fully fit.

Aquilina's main concern, however, is the fitness of captain Gilbert Agius. The 30-year-old suffered a leg injury in last week's 2-2 draw against Hibernians and is rated as doubtful.

Floriana also have their share of worries. Brazilian Andre Rocha da Silva and Congolese defender Riad-Mynel Gango-Rtsa have been ruled out of today's match through injury.

Still, given the importance of such derbies it would be no surprise to see any of the doubtful players coming out of the tunnel this afternoon.

First round: Floriana-Valletta 2-3.

Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk (today, National Stadium - 4 p.m.)

Sunday's disappointing 0-0 draw against struggling St Patrick all but confirmed Marsaxlokk's crisis. Ranked sixth with only 12 points from nine matches is a poor record for a team tipped to be among the title challengers this season.

Today, the southerners have a tough task ahead when they face a Birkirkara side eager to show their followers they're still a force to reckon with notwithstanding the bitter 2-1 upset to Valletta last month.

Stripes coach Stephen Azzopardi was pleased with the awesome response shown by his players in their 6-1 hammering of Lija Athletic last Saturday. Now, he expects his team to prove that they are back to their best with a win over Marsaxlokk.

Etienne Barbara, rumoured to be on Birkirkara's shopping list for the January transfer-window, is suspended while Richard Buhagiar has not recovered from a knee injury. The Stripes have no injury worries with Antoine Zahra expected to be handed the captain's armband after recovering from injury.

First round: Marsaxlokk-Birkirkara 1-1.

Hibernians vs St Patrick (tomorrow, Hibs Ground - 12.45 p.m.)

Hibernians look a safe bet to maintain their push for a Championship Pool place when they face bottom-placed St Patrick.

The Paolites must have felt unlucky in their last outing not to have bagged maximum points against Valletta when an injury time goal from Gilbert Agius forced them to settle for a second draw in three matches.

Coach Robert Gatt is without goalkeeper Mario Muscat and defender Adrian Pulis, both suspended, while Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere is again troubled by injury and will have to pass a late fitness test to earn a place in the squad.

St Patrick, fresh from winning their first league point against Marsaxlokk, hope that result will spark a change in fortunes. Bulgarian coach Bobby Giorev is without the suspended Thomas Caruana but Brazilian Sandro Costa Brasilino is available for selection.

First round: St Patrick-Hibernians 0-1.

Sliema Wanderers vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow, Hibs Ground - 2.45 p.m.)

High-flying Sliema Wanderers face a tricky task when they play Msida St Joseph in the closing match of the weekend. The Wanderers are in a rich vein of form at the moment. They are the only team in the top flight yet to concede defeat after nine outings.

Midfielder Stefan Giglio and striker Adrian Mifsud are still out injured but Serbian Danilo Doncic has regained full fitness and is expected to be included in Edward Aquilina's 18-man squad.

Last Sunday, Msida felt hard-done by some decisions from the officials during the 1-1 draw against Floriana. Coach Mario Petrone expects his players to again make life difficult for the champions who in the corresponding first-round fixture had to dig deep before bagging in the three points.

Msida's Clint Micallef is suspended and team-mate Kevin Sammut is still unfit.

First round: Msida SJ-Sliema W. 1-2.