Floriana and Birkirkara will be fighting to finish top of the 360 Sports Malta Premier when the joint-leaders go head-to-head in their final match of the Top Six at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off: 2pm).
Under the new format the winners of today’s match will gain a significant advantage as they not only virtually assure themselves of playing in UEFA club competitions next summer, they will have one hand on the title crown.
This is because should they again finish top of the Closing Round, which gets under way on January 4, they will be crowned Malta champions without the need to go through a play-off final.
Floriana head into the match with a psychological edge over their opponents.
The Greens beat Birkirkara 2-0 in the first phase of the Opening Round and enter into this encounter with a better head-to-head record meaning they need just a point to secure top spot in the championship.
However, Floriana coach Darren Abdilla has made it clear that he has no plans to go out to take a point.
“From the very first day of the championship we always had the same approach, to take it one game at a time without ever looking at the league standings,” Abdilla said.
“I had very little idea how many points we had to the extent that before Tuesday’s match against Sliema, I looked at the table to see what was our real situation.
“I don’t think that there are too many coaches who head into a match thinking of trying to take a point because in a football match there are so many things that can happen that it’s unlikely you will succeed.
“It’s credit to both Floriana and Birkirkara to be so consistent so far and on Saturday we will go out with the same mindset to go out and try to pick up all three points.
“I’m not completely satisfied, as I know we can do more, but I’m much happier with the team now compared to four months ago.
“There have been moments, like the recent defeat against Ħamrun, where we could have done better.
“All in all, the team is doing well in this phase of the league, biggest credit goes to our dressing room. The players have grown in confidence, especially after a tough mental start to the season.
“We will give everything and hope it will be enough to reach our goal.”
On his part, Floriana goalkeeper Christoffer Maffoumbi is proud of his performances this season and is determined to help his team finish top of the Opening Round.
“I’m proud of the three clean sheets we’ve kept in the top 6 phase,” Maffoumbi said.
“As the coach said, we’ve grown as a team, and I feel more confident.
“My experience, including playing for Congo’s national team, has helped me guide and support my teammates.
My job is to keep pushing the rest of my colleagues to stay focused, tactically disciplined, and organized as we aim to maintain this good run and finish on top.”
On his part, coach Stefano De Angelis said Birkirkara have struggled to maintain the same consistency shown in the first part of the championship but said he was still proud of his players’ ability to guide the team towards such a vital match.
“Top 6 matches are different from the regular season,” De Angelis said.
“We know we haven’t been performing as we would have liked recently, but my players are in the right frame of mind to achieve our ultimate goal: securing top spot, which we’ve been enjoying in recent weeks.
“In the play-offs, every match feels like it’s worth six points. I’m proud of my players, few have the privilege of competing in such high-stakes games at the top level.
“Against Hibernians, we played with several key players missing, and against Sliema we spent a significant time of the match depleted with 10 men.
“None of the play-off matches have been particularly eye-catching, but these games often hinge on a single moment, and one episode can change everything.
“We face a strong side hungry for success, but despite the challenges, we must build on our start of winning nine of our opening 11 matches, we must remain focused to achieve our ultimate objective.”
Striker Alex Satariano has called on his team-mates to show the right character and end the Opening Round in the perfect way.
“Saturday’s match is a step closer to winning the league,” Satariano said.
“These games bring out our character, we give everything and show our personality on the pitch.
“The atmosphere in the squad is very positive, and we’re determined to bounce back strongly after any setback.”
