Valletta again meet Balzan

League action in the Malta FA calendar will make way for the first round of the FA Trophy this weekend as the three turf pitches of the National Stadium, the Hibs Ground and the Tedesco Stadium are in the process of re-seeding programmes.

The first round involves six Premier League teams and all Division One sides, bar Gozo FC who asked not to play in the competition. Five ties will be played between today and tomorrow and two others are earmarked for today week.

As a result of the Gozitans' forfeit, one team in the hat during last month's draw earned a bye. This advantage went Hamrun Spartans' way who enter the fray in the second round next month on Boxing Day.

The seedings saw that none of the Premier League teams will clash against each other at this early stage of the knockout competition. However, some interesting fare should still be in store despite the difference in class.

Balzan Youths probably caused the biggest upset of the season last year before they were relegated when beating Valletta in a league match. That upset cost the Citizens dearly as they lost their place in the Championship Pool for the first time since the format was introduced.

This will be the first time for Valletta to figure at this early phase of the FA Trophy since the seedings were introduced to render the competition even more enticing.

The top four in the Premier League earn the right to play in the following FA Trophy competition from the quarter-finals onwards. This season, the last-eight matches are scheduled for April.

This afternoon Valletta start favourites against Balzan. The Citizens are currently on cloud nine as impressive wins over Pietà and Marsaxlokk have pushed them to second place in the standings.

However, Valletta know that no team should be underestimated in cup competition. Ex-Balzan midfielder Jaroslav Marx is in the Czech Republic for medical advice on a groin injury. Serbian forward Nemanja Vucasinovic is also out with ankle trouble.

Balzan, currently third from bottom in Division One, have not played a competitive match since October 3 when they lost 2-1 to Senglea. Coach Jimmy Briffa hopes this break has helped his players recover strength and morale. A good performance today will be an ideal injection of confidence ahead of their next league match against Hamrun on November 21.

Briffa is hampered with the absence through injury of Gilbert Scerri and Sergio Cappitta.

Another tie this weekend likely to draw interest, particularly from old-timers, is the clash between St George's and Floriana, two clubs who contend they are the first ones established on our islands.

The last time St George's featured in the FA Trophy was way back in January 1998. On that occasion, they were trounced by Tarxien Rainbows 5-0 and ousted from the first round.

That year, the Saints were relegated from Division One and only made it back to the second grade of local football last May after winning promotion as Division Two champions ahead of runners-up Gozo FC.

St George's are coming from two successive goalless draws against San Gwann and Mosta.

Floriana drew their last match against Hibs. Shaun Bajada and Andre Rocha da Silva are doubtful for the Greens.

Tricky test for Pietà

Pietà Hotspurs look to rediscover their winning touch when they face Division One leaders Marsa tomorrow morning.

In last year's opening round of the FA Trophy, the Hotspurs eliminated Senglea 2-0.

But in their last Premier League outing Pietà were beaten by Valletta and coach Georgi Deanov is now looking at tomorrow's match as an ideal occasion for his players to regain their touch ahead of their league commitments in the coming weeks.

However, the task is not so easy as they face a Marsa side brimming with confidence. Michael Molzahn's red/blues are currently leading the Division One standings with four wins and a draw from five matches.

They will also want to make up for last season's setback when they lost to neighbours Hamrun Spartans 3-0 at this same stage of the competition.

Senglea, third in Division One, also look for a surprise qualification when they face Premier League strugglers St Patrick, who in their last match were at the end of a heavy 7-2 defeat to Birkirkara.

Msida SJ look a safe bet to qualify to the second round when they face misfiring Division One team Mosta.

The Saints, who will be without the injured Daniel Theuma, are eyeing a long run in this competition which could yield them an unexpected place in Europe.

Mosta have yet to leave their mark in Division One despite the heavy investment on new players this summer.

Player-coach Paul Zammit will be looking on his players to put their early season jitters behind them with a solid performance tomorrow.

The first round will be completed next week with the remaining two ties. Mqabba start favourites to eliminate Naxxar Lions and Lija should also make it through when facing Division One strugglers San Gwann.

FA Trophy - first round (at Centenary Stadium)

Today
1 p.m. St Patrick vs Senglea
3 p.m. Valletta vs Balzan Youths

Tomorrow
10 a.m. Pietà Hotspurs vs Marsa
1 p.m. Mosta vs Msida
3 p.m. St George's vs Floriana

Saturday, Nov. 13
1 p.m. Naxxar Lions vs Mqabba
3 p.m. San Gwann vs Lija Athletic