Preview: Day 13 Valletta vs Birkirkara Published on: 07-01-2011

Preview Day 13 Valletta vs Birkirkara

Here we are for our first game of 2011..... Our next opponents being current champions and one of the main title contenders, Birkirkara FC.

Valletta FC.net met team manager Jesmond Zammit, he gave us these comments ‘The fixture happens to come after the three week festive break, meaning that players, staff and supporters have been dreaming about this encounter for the past period. I personally believe that the coming 10 days are very important for Valletta, in a sense that we shall have to face our two direct followers in the table. Nevertheless, Birkirkara are our next opponents and to Birkirkara we shall have to address all our efforts and determination tomorrow. For Valletta, it is of paramount importance to maintain our present momentum in an attempt to secure all three points at stake which would further the gap between the two eternal rivals to thirteen’.

‘Birkirkara are coming from quite a positive patch having won three of their last three games whilst drawing the other two. Emiliano Lattes, Paul Fenech and Alan Tabone seem to be showing their best form whilst the ever shining Shaun Bajada and veteran Michael Galea are two constants who are always giving the team that little edge required to win games. Vucanac, Harding, Decesare and Cilia are all probable absentees although one or both foreigners could possibly make a return tomorrow. Whichever players will represent the Stripes tomorrow, the team will definitely be highly motivated to win this game knowing that nothing more than the three points will leave them within realistic reach of maintaining the title’.

‘On the other hand, Valletta are expected to have all their players available. Knowing that in spite of our superiority on the field, we have still not managed to beat them in regular time during both encounters this season, will motivate our players. Knowing that a win would put the Champions thirteen points behind (meaning plus 7 once points are divided) will install our lads with more determination to succeed’.

‘On the other hand , our players feel that the tension is all on the other side knowing that we are quite comfortable leading the table by seven points over second placed Tarxien Rainbows, which is quite an achievement knowing that we have six more games to play before the teams are divided in two categories.  We desperately want to lift the Cup in May and we are absolutely determined to secure the title as much before as possible. That has to be our revenge for all that the Club's been through last season. We believe we are the best and so we have to show it. Tomorrow we have one good opportunity to move even closer and the lads are determined not to miss out. White Gladiators in the arena......... that is what you will see tomorrow at Ta` Qali....... I promise you hundred per cent.......... I could see it from the eyes of the boys during training this week’.

‘This would be the best present to our adorable supporters for the New Year.  See you all there tomorrow and please make sure that you maintain the same level of cheerful yet respectful support that we have seen this season’.

Photo credits: Timesofmalta.com