Talbot envisages difficult test against Msida

Amidst all the hype surrounding Milan's training camp here, local football will make a re-appearance on the sporting agenda with a four-match programme from the Premier League.

Today's top-of-the-table clash between leaders Marsaxlokk and second-placed Msida St Joseph (kick-off 4 p.m.) is the plum fixture of this weekend's schedule.

Marsaxlokk look to be on a detachment mission as their outstanding record of 11 wins and a draw in their last 12 matches not only allowed them to keep hold of top spot, it also widened their lead to six points.

Second only to Marsaxlokk in this season's top performers chart, Msida St Joseph have already reached their target of securing Championship Pool football. In so doing, the Saints have raised expectations that they can set a new milestone in their club's history by finishing among the top three in the Premiership and qualify for a European competition.

Given that the only blot on their league copybook so far has been the hollow performance in a 3-0 loss to Marsaxlokk in the first round, Msida ought to be fired up to make amends.

On the other side of the fence, Marsaxlokk will surely have their sights fixed on another victory to extend their positive run to 13 matches.

Their optimism is also likely to have been enriched by the news that Ousseni Zongo and Paul Fenech, both key players for Msida, are ruled out by suspension after their red cards in the 1-1 draw with Valletta last week.

Brian Talbot, the Marsaxlokk coach, dismissed suggestions that his team have an edge over Msida due to the absence of Zongo and Fenech.

"I really don't think we have an advantage over Msida on the basis that they have two players suspended," Talbot said.

"We also have two first-team players, Andrè Schembri and Charlò Magro, who cannot play because of injuries, so the situation is even."

Schembri is still recovering from ankle surgery after he injured himself in Malta's 4-1 defeat to Lithuania in a friendly match last November while Magro is troubled by a hamstring problem.

Justin Haber, the Malta goalkeeper, this week joined Marsaxlokk after terminating his contract with Belgian club Royal Virton.

Haber's switch to Marsaxlokk was completed yesterday when officials from the club deposited his registration documents at the MFA offices.

It remains to be seen if Talbot, who claimed to have been unaware about Haber's arrival when he was talking to The Times yesterday morning, includes the former Birkirkara goalkeeper for today's match.

Talbot expects a tough challenge this afternoon. "I honestly think that Msida, their players, coach and committee, have done exceptionally well this season," he remarked.

"They have only lost one game in 13 matches and that was against us in the first round. We have also done very well until now but this will be a difficult game against the second-placed team.

"Msida will do their best to win and everybody wants us to lose so we drop closer to the rest of the pack. Our rivals are eager to find a chink in our armour.

"This is a new experience for Marsaxlokk as the team has never been top of the table for such a long time.

"We're determined to stay there. The players had some time off during the Christmas period but now it's back to normal. I hope we maintain our good form."

Like Marsaxlokk, Msida are aiming to stretch their own unbeaten run to nine matches.

Patrick Curmi, the Msida coach, is relying on his team's statistics to strengthen the players' morale for the impending battle.

"Marsaxlokk are the only team we've lost against this season," Curmi told The Times.

"I've reminded my team about the disappointment we felt after our defeat to Marsaxlokk. In my view, this could increase the players' motivation to make up for that unpleasant experience.

"We have nothing to lose from this match. Our position in the table is clear and to a certain extent, the absence of two important players like Fenech and Zongo further reduces the pressure on us.

"A good result against Marsaxlokk would boost our hopes of staying in second place until the end of the first phase. We know it's going to be a difficult test because we're facing the most in-form team in the league."

Despite their justified disappointment about some decisions taken by referee Joe Attard in the match against Valletta, Msida were surely delighted about the one-all draw. It was the just reward for the great effort put in by the nine players who finished the match.

Curmi was full of praise for the attitude of his charges.

"This group of players is fantastic," he enthused.

"As a coach, I consider myself lucky to be working with these players. The atmosphere among the squad is excellent. In that second half against Valletta, our team showed true character and fighting spirit. If we show the same commitment against Marsa-xlokk, we will certainly give ourselves a better chance of gaining something from the match."

First round result - Marsaxlokk vs Msida 3-0.