Sparks set to fly as City face Hibs

Sparks tend to fly when Valletta and Hibs lock horns and their third league clash this afternoon is unlikely to be any different. Indeed, expectations of an absorbing contest are high as there is so much at stake for these two heavyweights whose neck-and-neck title duel last season has intensified the rivalry between their fans.

Hibs had the final word last May but they face an uphill struggle to retain the title as Mark Miller's men trail leaders Valletta by six points. It's perhaps too early to talk of do-or-die matches, given that there are nine games left, but it's safe to say that a defeat for Hibs this afternoon would seriously jeopardise their title chances.

On the other side of the coin, victory would drag Hibs back into the race besides complicating matters for Valletta who have little margin for error, what with Birkirkara breathing down their necks.

It will not have escaped Valletta's attention that a win today would effectively knock Hibs out of contention but coach Ton Caanen insists that he's focusing only on his team.

"Our approach is the same as for the other matches," Caanen said.

"The most important thing is that we have the right atmosphere and the right feeling in our team to win. There are no big teams in the play-offs. For me, all the sides in the Championship Pool are on a par.

"We need victory to stay on top and that's my priority. I'm not looking at other clubs. I also think it's early to speak about decisive matches. We're taking it game by game."

Cleaven Frendo is recovering from an ankle injury but otherwise, Caanen has no selection problems. Cameroonian winger Doding Priso is available after serving his two-match ban.

Last weekend, Valletta stretched their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches with a 6-2 defeat of Tarxien Rainbows. Caanen is convinced that Valletta are already reaping the rewards of their decision to train on a professional basis.

"It makes a big difference when your squad works together on a daily basis," Caanen said.

"Now I have virtually all the players training with me every day and this means that I can pay more attention to details. This move has also enhanced the atmosphere in our squad.

"When players see each other every single day, team-building improves. Fitness-wise, our players have shown that they are well-prepared because we continue to push hard until the very last minute, even if we're two or three goals up.

"There is a very good relationship between the players but there's also healthy competition for places. This is why I wanted a big squad and I believe that we are heading in the right direction."

Valletta's first defeat this season was inflicted by Hibs who have since lost twice to the Citizens. Caanen's men came from 2-1 down to beat Hibs 4-2 in their last league meeting and, last month, they knocked the Paolites out of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup with a 2-0 victory.

Caanen earmarked Hibs' physical strength as their main asset.

"Hibs are strong," he said.

"They have a number of tall players. They are tough and well-organised. It's never easy to play against Hibs. You have to give your all, otherwise they will punish you."

Hibs go into their encounter with Valletta in high spirits after snapping a negative sequence of six league matches without a win thanks to their 1-0 success over Qormi.

The affluence of potential match-winners in Valletta's star-studded squad often prompts their opponents to adopt a prudent approach but that is not an option for Miller.

"I think we will try to go for it," Miller said. "We will try to attack Valletta. Sitting back and waiting for them wouldn't work. We have to put them under pressure but to do that, all our players must be at their best.

"Valletta have got the strongest squad. They have the national team and although four of their players were left out of the last Malta squad, I think, sooner rather later, they will be recalled. It's a tough game and the most important thing is not to lose."

With the exception of Ryan Camilleri, who is still sidelined with injury, Miller has a full squad at his disposal.

Miller has taken a lot of positives from Hibs' showing against Qormi.

"I've never had any problems in training," Miller replied when asked if the win over Qormi had enhanced the atmosphere in the dressing room. "We spoke about our difficulties and we agreed that we had lost the hunger we had last season. Against Qormi, we showed a little bit of that hunger.

"We have to fight because every game is like a cup final at this stage. There's also pressure on Valletta and this can be energy-sapping. We're going into this game with an attack-minded mentality. If it doesn't work, I will have no regrets but I believe we have enough guns to do something."

Results so far: Hibs vs Valletta 1-0, 2-4.