Preview: Day 16 Valletta vs Sliema W. Published on: 29-01-2011

Preview Day 16 Valletta vs Sliema W.

Now that the January saga is almost over, we shall today be facing Sliema Wanderers in yet again a very important game which will have to see us get all three points at stake for all reasons known by every fan of local football. This should be a match which is equally important for both clubs as Sliema will be desperately looking for any possible point in an attempt to secure a place amongst the first six, once the second round is over. Team Manager Jesmond Zammit gave Valletta FC.net these comments.
 
‘Sliema should have all their players at their disposal. They have yesterday reached an agreement with Etienne Barbara, who will however not be eligible for today's match as his clearance did not arrive in due time from his former club Carolina Railhawks, the same club which he will again play for in the new season beginning in March. Boosted by their last positive result ( 1 -1 ) against Tarxien, Sliema will field their typical formation which will include foreigners Szentpeteri (gk), Jackson Lima, Chakim Lachkhem and Obiefule (meaning that there would probably not be a starting place for  prolific scorer Mifsud Triganza). Other locals include Josef Mifsud, city boy Bezzina, Mark Scerri, Gatt Baldacchino, Failla, Roderick Bajada and Beppe Muscat will in all probability complete the starting line up. The Wanderers are in desperate need for points, and this will continue to motivate them even further for this afternoon's match’.
 
‘Valletta on the other hand, will be having several players missing from their line up. Jamie Pace has still not recovered from his hamstring injury (he will probably be fit for the next match ), whilst Gilbert Agius, who has resumed training with the squad is expected to be on the line up, though probably not yet ready for the whole 90 minutes. Nigerian offensive midfielder Omonigho Temile will have to skip this match through suspension after completing a string of 4 yellow cards. Dyson's temporary move to Hamrun will be compensated with the permanent move of International wonder boy Ryan Fenech who is expected to make his full debut for our club this afternoon. Joseph Okonkwo's move to Kenya would translate into another man less on the line up as Brazilian striker Anderson Antunes could only manage to arrive in the early hours of this morning and will only complete his registration process with the Club on Monday morning. Nevertheless, Valletta can still field a very strong team for today's match which will in all probability see the looks of Brazilian defender Ramon Lucas dos Santos from minute number one on the field of play’.
 
‘For all reasons already mentioned, this will be a very tough encounter, which Valletta will have to win. A good team is that which manages to perform and succeed in a perhaps so called ' restricted moment’. Valletta will have to truck home all three points today meaning that we would bring up our tally of points to forty - not bad at all for this time of the league. The boys are geared to provide a determined comeback after letting loose two points in our last encounter against Marsaxlokk. Not an easy task......... but knowing the potential of our team and the determination of the players ......... it will materialise, a win which would hopefully see us widening our gap back to 11 or 12 points by Sunday evening’.
 
‘Our supporters, as usual will make sure that the boys are duly encouraged. Keeps the usual pace going.  When I come out of the tunnel and look back to see the crowd, I get over stimulated and full of pride to be working for a unique club like ours. It makes us a lot different from all the rest. The boys like it as well, especially when you keep cheering them during difficult moments. This is what makes us a special team. Thanks a real a lot for all that you do and for the patriotic style that makes us all so very special. 40 is the target and that is what you will see on the newspapers tomorrow in the first line of the table’.
 
We need to welcome Ryan on board with a majestic display, and that is what we shall all do.