Preview: Day 20 Valletta vs Marsaxlokk Published on: 26-02-2011
Preview Day 20 Valletta vs Marsaxlokk
'Marsaxlokk are the next team that we are scheduled to meet in our second match of the third round. This match continues to inflate its importance not only because of the fact that we are now playing the final phase of the League, but more so because we have to ensure that after the halving of the points we have to re establish a decent lead which could safeguard our position at this very delicate stage' Team manager Jesmond Zammit.'Our last match against Hamrun saw us losing two valuable points in an encounter which saw us dominating play throughout though hardly managing to penetrate the Hamrun rearguard apart from the last ten minutes. Marsaxlokk are a very valid side and can be considered as one of the best and most compact sides of the Premier League this year. We shall have to improve on our recent outings if we want to secure all three points at stake. And even if we manage to give a five star performance that would still not mean that beating Marsaxlokk would be an easy task. You'd be surprised, this team is strong in all sectors and they have managed to emerge victorious, and most of the times with flying colours, against most of the teams in the Premier Division this season'.
'The Southsiders are expected to have all their players available for this match. A very likely formation will see Reuben Gauci in goal, Licari, Galabov, Yanchev and Mamo at the back, a packed midfield which will probably include Raimy,Sciberras, Pullicino, Dobrev and Templeman with the agile Effiong up front. Their plan would be to contain our aggressive approach in midfield which is their first line of defense and meantime operate with swift counter attacks, a sector in which Effiong has proved to be a Maestro'.'On the other side, Valletta will be able to field Denni Rocha dos Santos who was suspended against Hamrun. Ryan Fenech will probably this time start from minute number one whilst other International midfielder Jamie Pace remains doubtful for the time being. As usual we shall adopt an aggressive and offensive approach, in view that nothing other than the three points will suit our requirements at this stage. We have worked intensively this week as we are all determined to face this difficult match with hundred per cent plus determination and concentration. This is the only way that we can manage situations of this type. The lads are aware that now is the time that really matters. Winning in these crucial moments will mean that the other team is losing ground. And to win the war you have to win the important battles which is what we shall do giving each and every game its related importance and each opponent the due respect'.
'One usual word to our beloved and loyal supporters. The team will need your help tomorrow... not that I have to remind you anyway. But it's so good to see you cheering and singing. It makes us so proud to have you all behind us, you are our twelfth man on the pitch. Against Hamrun you were not so happy.... we know. But we owe you one back and the boys will make sure that you get what you really deserve on Sunday'.
