Said warns Wanderers against complacency

After the midweek friendly international against Northern Ireland, the attention of the local football fans will again turn on the BoV Premier League which resumes with a five-match programme between today and Monday.

Champions Sliema Wanderers start favourites to make it two wins on the trot tomorrow when facing newcomers Mosta.

On paper Edward Aquilina's team seem to carry too much artillery for the modest side coached by Paul Zammit. But football offers no guarantees and if Mosta's performance against Msida earlier this month is anything to go by, then the Wanderers will have to give their opponents due respect to keep the pace with Birkirkara. The Stripes are in action on Monday against Marsaxlokk.

Two weeks ago, few would have imagined that Mosta could open with a win. But Zammit's players produced an accomplished display that stunned Msida and made it a perfect return to the Premier League after an absence of two years.

Sliema paid a heavy price for underestimating newly-promoted opponents two seasons ago. In September 2003, Msida practically dismantled the more quoted Blues on their way to a comprehensive 4-1 win.

Experienced defender Brian Said has bitter memories of that match and warned Sliema cannot afford to show any similar complacency.

"All the pressure will be on us to perform," Said said.

"Mosta have nothing to lose and could prepare for this match calmly as no one expects them to win. But the victory over Msida was a clear sign. Mosta have some quality players and if we give them chances someone will take them for sure.

"These are tricky matches for teams like us. We have to give Mosta due respect but on the day we must impose our game and make sure we win all points."

Sliema are still without captain Noel Turner, injured. Mosta have Brian Agius on a long lay-off and Yves Bilocca suspended.

This season Zammit can rely on a squad replete with talented players, all eager to leave their mark. One of them is Dyson Falzon, touted for the past few years as a bright prospect in Maltese football.

The Malta U-21 forward admits his team faces a daunting task against the Wanderers but nonetheless is relishing the challenge to help Mosta establish themselves in the Premier League.

"Facing the champions is indeed awesome," Falzon said. "Sliema are the strongest side in the league. They have quality players like Woods, Doncic and Brincat who can win a match single-handedly.

"But that does not mean we have already lost confidence.

"The start to the season was a positive one for us. The points won against Msida will come in handy.

"Now, we have to try and prolong this trend even if Sliema are our next opponents. No one should take things foregranted in this game. It will not be easy, we know, but the spirit in the team is high and we are hopeful of achieving another good result."

The other matches...

Hamrun Spartans vs Pietà Hotspurs (today - 5.30 p.m., National Stadium).

This match pits together two teams who could finish the season fighting against the drop so a win will be what these neighbouring rivals will be after today.

Both teams failed to sparkle in their last outing. The Spartans looked jaded in their match against Mar-saxlokk and lost 2-1. The Hotspurs could not match the attacking power of Hibernians and fell to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat.

Hamrun are boosted by the return of striker Gaetan Spiteri. He has recovered from injury. Midfielder Adam Mansueto is still not available though.

The Hotspurs are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Andrew Hogg who suffered an ankle injury against Hibs. If Hogg fails to recover, Paul Psaila will deputise in goal. Pietà will have defender David Camenzuli back from suspension.

Floriana vs Hibernians (today - 7.30 p.m., National Stadium).

Hibernians must overcome the threat posed by one of their club's past heroes if they are to chalk up their second consecutive league win.

Lining up against them this evening will be Adrian Mifsud. He is set to make his debut for Floriana following his loan move from Sliema Wanderers in midweek.

In his five-year spell at Hibernians, between 1999 and 2004, Mifsud became the club's all-time leading scorer in all competitions with 94 goals.

Hibs will have to show the same kind of form in front of goal that helped them outclass Pietà last week.

Coach Robert Gatt has to make changes to his backline as he is hampered by the absence of defenders Adrian Pulis and Kenneth Spiteri, both unfit for play.

Floriana coach Jimmy Briffa will expect his players to take the pitch in combative spirit as they did against Valletta in the derby last week. The Greens have a poor record against Hibs in the league, with only one win from their last seven matches.

Julian Briffa (hamstring) and Mario Caruana (hip) are Floriana's major doubts for this match.

Valletta vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow - 7.30 p.m., National Stadium).

So far, the performances of Valletta and Msida St Joseph have been anything but fruitful.

The Citizens have only managed one point from two outings while the Saints have yet to open their account after suffering two defeats. With a place in the Championship Pool set as their primary goal at the start of the season, neither side can afford to drop any further points to reach their objective.

Both sides showed signs of improvement in the previous match. Valletta enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the derby against Floriana but poor finishing left them with only a 1-1 draw to show.

Msida almost surprised Birkirkara but Todor Raykov's team struggled to hold their own in the final part of the match and lost 5-2.

Valletta will be without Kurt Magro, son of former City ace winger Vince 'Maxi' Magro. The youngster is recovering from an ankle injury. Milen Penchev and Sharlon Pace will both be in J.J. Aquilina's squad.

Msida yesterday denied reports they were interested in taking Miguel Mifsud on loan from Sliema.

They are hoping that Nigerian forward Ibrahim Babantude shrugs off a foot injury and that Paul Fenech recovers from back trouble.

Raykov is set to give wing-back Mark Pullicino his debut after the midweek move from St Patrick.

Next Fixtures

Today
5.30 p.m. Hamrun vs Pietà
7.30 p.m. Floriana vs Hibernians.

Tomorrow
5.30 p.m. Mosta vs Sliema
7.30 p.m. Valletta vs Msida.

Monday
8 p.m. Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk.