Hibs' title credentials put to test against Valletta

The two most in-form teams in the 2008-09 BOV Premier League go head-to-head this evening when leaders Hibernians face champions Valletta at the National Stadium (kick-off: 19.30).

This fixture was originally planned for last Saturday but was put back for today by the Malta FA so that Valletta could travel to Italy to play Ancona in the friendly Trofeo dell' Adriatico on Sunday.

With just two points separating co-leaders Hibs from third-placed Valletta, a tight encounter is in prospect with both teams looking determined to prolong their impressive streak of late.

Hibs come into this match on the back of four successive victories while Valletta, the only undefeated team in the Premier League so far this season, have won five of their last six league matches.

Paolites coach Mark Miller is labelling the match as an ideal test to gauge his team's real ambitions.

"For us the match against Valletta is the right opportunity to see where we could go this season," Miller told The Times.

"As Premier League champions, Valletta are the best-equipped team and there is no better way to verify our potential than to test our wits against them. This match will put our campaign in perspective. A positive result will inject fresh optimism in our camp. It would make us believe that we are capable of challenging for the league title. However, an upset would be a timely alarm bell to see in which areas we need to improve.

"So far, Hibs had a very positive season.

"We are the best-scoring team in the division by a long way with 32 goals and we also have one of the best defensive records. If we can continue to improve on these statistics we will certainly be fighting for the major honours come April and May.

"So, we must maintain a high level of consistency till the end of the season."

The Hibs coach is hampered by the absence of influential striker Andrew Cohen who is down with 'flu but midfielder Christian Callejas, of Uruguay, Tekumu Alexis Mbongo, the Cameroon winger, and striker Terrence Scerri should all recover in time after picking up knocks in training.

In the past week, several Premier League clubs were involved in transfer dealings to add new signings in the mid-season but coach Miller said it is unlikely that the Paolites will be involved in any negotiations.

"Obviously, there are one or two young players who I would like to add to my squad but at this time of the year it's very difficult to get the ones you want," Miller said.

"In January, only the ones unhappy with their current situation are willing to move as clubs tend to ask exaggerated fees for prized-assets. Therefore, it is likely that we will continue with the same group of players we have at present."

While Hibs stayed away from the transfer market, not the same can be said of Valletta who strengthened their attacking line last week with the acquisitions of Brazilian Paulo Massaro and Argentine Sebastian Monesterolo.

The friendly in Ancona seems to have left its negative effect on the Valletta squad though after it was revealed that Ian Zammit, Josef Mifsud and Kenneth Scicluna are rated as doubtful after picking up injuries in the 2-0 defeat to the Serie B club. Defender Steve Bezzina is definitely out of the equation.

Valletta coach Paul Zammit expects a tough fight from a team he describes as formidable.

"Hibernians are one of the most consistent teams at present," Zammit said.

"They have a perfect blend of young and experienced players in the squad. Besides, they also signed three valid foreigners who are making all the difference for them.

"It's clear we have a very tough match coming up but we can also rely on a very strong squad at the moment. The arrival of Monesterolo and Massaro have added to our options and hopefully this team will continue to play consistently well as we had done before Christmas."

Asked whether there would be other new signings at the club, Zammit was quite frank in his reply.

"I am happy with the players I have at the moment," he said.

"We are strong in each and every department. However, if we can add a quality player who we feel can help the team improve, then Valletta are open for negotiations. The same applies for those, if any, who would like leave. You can't force a player to stay if he's unhappy."