Stripes out to dent City's record

As the end of the 'warm-up' phase draws closer, the pressure grows on the 10 Premier League teams to strengthen their chances of reaching their pre-season targets.

Valletta are firmly on course to start the second phase in a strong position as they are currently second on 29 points, two behind Hibs who have played a game more.

An added dose of satisfaction for the Citizens comes from their extraordinary run of 13 matches without defeat but their record is also bound to act as extra motivation for their opponents to stop the champions' march.

Given their intense rivalry with Valletta, Birkirkara will surely relish the prospect of blotting City's copybook this afternoon (kick-off 4 p.m.).

Despite a sequence of low-key performances, Birkirkara are still third in the standings and a win today would not only provide a psychological fillip, it would also enhance their chances of challenging for pole position before the Championship Pool.

Coach John Buttigieg hopes that the prestige of today's fixture will spur his players to greater efforts.

"My view is that matches have the same importance because all carry three points but there's no disputing the fact that for the Birkirkara supporters, games against Valletta have an extra flavour," Buttigieg told The Times.

"It's like a derby match. I hope that this rivalry will motivate the players to try harder. Valletta are the champions and they haven't lost a match this season. It's going to be very difficult for us."

Buttigieg can't field his best formation as Danish defender Ron Hartvig and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza must serve a one-match ban. Birkirkara are believed to be close to signing Italian Mauro Di Lello on a short-term deal but the former Sliema defender will surely not be involved in today's match.

Lee Lombardi is still recovering from a hernia operation.

The Stripes have not played since being held to a 1-1 draw by Qormi on January 4. Buttigieg is not happy with the fixtures programme this season.

"It's been a kind of stop-start campaign for us in recent months," Buttigieg complained.

"The way the fixtures have been arranged doesn't make much sense. At one point, we had played two games more than Hibs but we will have two matches in hand by the time we play Valletta. There's no continuity whatsoever."

Despite his team's indifferent form in their last few outings, Buttigieg is quite satisfied with the overall performance.

"All teams go through a difficult spell during the season," he said.

"I know we can play a lot better but let us not forget that Birkirkara are third in the table.

"Other teams have struggled. Look at Marsaxlokk. They had high aspirations but are in a very awkward position. Sliema are also behind us.

"Football is hard to explain sometimes. So, I think we can be satisfied with the work we've done so far."

Paul Zammit, the Valletta coach, has no reason not to be pleased with his team's progress so far but he knows that one bad result could jeopardise his team's chances of pipping Hibs to pole position.

"At this juncture, all matches are important and tricky at the same time," Zammit said.

"Our aim is to gain the maximum points possible from our remaining second-round matches as we want to start the Championship Pool in a leading position ahead of the rest."

Striker Priso Doding can't face Birkirkara today as he must serve the second of a two-match suspension. Josef Mifsud is still doubtful but Edmond Agius is back from suspension.

Roderick Briffa is expected to make his first appearance for Valletta.

The Whites fought back from a goal down to ease past Tarxien 3-1 on Sunday but Zammit envisages a sterner test this afternoon.

"Birkirkara may have lost a few regular players from the squad of last season but their position in the current table shows that they can mix it with the top teams," he opined.

"They are a strong team, very organised tactically. Surely, we have to be at our best to beat them."

First round - Valletta vs Birkirkara 2-2.