Spartans, Hibs vie for final top-six berth

The sixth team to qualify for the Championship Pool this season will be decided this evening when Hamrun Spartans and Hibs face off in a decisive match that brings to a close the opening phase of the Premier League.

Five teams, Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Sliema Wanderers, Floriana and Birkirkara, have already booked their place in the Championship Pool, leaving sixth-placed Hamrun and Hibs, seventh, to fight it out for the last spot in the trouble-free zone.

The Spartans need a point to claim a place in the top six as they go into today's crucial match with a two-point lead over Hibs. The latter must win today if they are to avoid playing in the Relegation Pool for the first time since the current league format was introduced in 1999.

If tonight's match follows the same pattern as the first round game, then both sets of fans are in for a treat as Hamrun and Hibs had produced an entertaining 2-2 draw then.

Aware of the sticky situation his team is in as a result of their inconsistent form, Robert Gatt, the Hibs coach, admitted that the Paolites must be at the top of their game if they are to make the Championship Pool.

"This is a massive match, one we simply need to win," Gatt told The Times. "Nothing less than three points will do for us if we are to qualify for the Championship Pool.

"Despite the disappointing results of late, the morale in the team is very good and everyone is determined to do their utmost to lead Hibs to victory.

"I know that Hamrun will pose a very stern challenge but we must rise to the occasion and deliver," Gatt added. "Our recent performances have been good but not the same can be said about our results.

"Against Msida, we created a lot of chances but failed to capitalise. We have to be sharper in front of goal against Hamrun and I'm confident that we can do it."

Gatt is boosted by the return of midfielder Edmond Agius who missed the 2-0 loss to Msida through suspension.

Hamrun coach Marco Gerada has two key players back for this match as striker Gaetan Spiteri and midfielder Rupert Mangion are available after missing the 2-1 win over Floriana through suspension.

Defender Evano Briffa, veteran striker Stefan Sultana and goalkeeper Michael Falzon are recovering from injuries while defender Precious Monye must serve a one-match ban.

The scenario facing the Spartans today is not new to them as two years ago they went into their last second-round match against Msida St Joseph needing only a point to progress to the Championship Pool. That match brought frustration for Hamrun who never recovered from their 2-0 loss to Msida and were relegated to Division One at the end of the season.

Mangion, one of the Spartans players who took part in that infamous match, said memories of the costly defeat to Msida two years ago has given the players extra motivation to finish off the job this time round.

"We are on the brink of achieving our objective this season," Mangion commented. "Playing in the Championship Pool has been our target since day one of the league and we have every intention of completing the job this time.

"Two years ago we came up short in the final match but that is history now. Hibs are a very strong team and we must play a very intelligent match.

"We will play our usual game but we will not take unnecessary risks as a draw would see us through."

Giorev's debut

Borislav Giorev takes charge of his first match as Mqabba coach today as the relegation strugglers take on Msida St Joseph in the opening fixture.

The Bulgarian mentor replaced Joey Falzon who quit his post earlier this month. Although Mqabba, bottom of the league with three points from 17 matches, need a miracle to beat the drop, Giorev is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

"It's true that the team is in a difficult position but that doesn't mean that we are going to give up," Giorev said.

"I want my players to give their 100 per cent in every match and hopefully we can make life difficult for Msida."

The Mqabba coach has a full squad to choose his team from as goalkeeper Kris Calleja is back in the frame after missing the 5-0 defeat to Pietà through injury.

Msida will be chasing valuable points in their fight for survival but they have to do it without Priso Doding who is suspended.

The Saints are on a hot streak at the moment with three wins and a draw from their last four matches.

Coach Patrick Curmi is banking on his players to extend their winning run that would give them a significant lead over the bottom two teams at the start of the Relegation Pool.

"Victory against Mqabba is essential if we are to survive," Curmi said. "If we beat Mqabba, we will start the second phase with a four-point cushion over second-from-bottom Pietà and that will help us to approach the second phase with less pressure.

"Our form has been good lately and although we have one of our best players, Priso Doding, suspended, we still have enough firepower to overcome Mqabba."

First round result: Msida vs Mqabba 4-3.

Playing today (National Stadium)
6 p.m. Mqabba vs Msida St Joseph
8 p.m. Hibernians vs Hamrun Spartans