Preview: Day 15 Valletta vs Marsaxlokk Published on: 21-01-2011

Preview: Day 15 Valletta vs Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk will be our next opponents tomorrow. Valletta FC.net met Jesmond Zammit our team manager, he gave us these comments on the next match. 'As always, each and every game will have to be treated with utmost attention and sensitivity. We are presently twelve points clear from second place and we have to ensure that this gap is maintained and possibly improved. Our position after the halving of the points remains at the back of our mind and the highest hurdle to surpass. We have reached a level which is envied by all, but more so, it is now much more important and equally difficult to maintain the status'.
 
'Marsaxlokk are coming from an extremely important victory in their last weekend against Birkirkara, though in midweek, they were on the losing end in a surprise 3-0 defeat against Vittoriosa in the F A Trophy. They have 18 points with 18 goals to their credit and 19 against. Marsaxlokk are facing all their encounters, one at a time, giving each all their maximum effort in an attempt to secure a place in the promotion pool. Their main force is their midfield, especially after lately having moved up Gareth Sciberras and Rumen Galabov from defence and with the insertion of hard working midfielder Florent Raimy who has rejoined the Southsiders since earlier in January. Carlo Mamo remains a doubtful starter in defence together with Clive Brincat ( both still nursing injuries ), whilst Sunday Eboh could possibly be the other starter with Bulgarian Emil Yanchev in the centre of their rearguard. The ever dangerous and rapid Effiong would be expected to start up front with either Alcorse or Ryan Darmanin (ex Floriana)'.
 
'Valletta will this time have to do without the services of team skipper Gilbert Agius who is still recovering from a hamstring injury which he has picked up during the club's last match against Tarxien. Jamie Pace remains a doubtful starter whilst Keeper Hogg will be back from suspension. Nigerian striker Joseph Okonkwo will be missing from today's line up as he will be flying back to his country today. Nevertheless, inspite of all this, Valletta continue to be favoured for a clear win, mostly in view of the length of the team and the force of their bench. the same determination, aggressiveness and unity in the team will hopefully see us extend our run of undefeated games to 15 meantime possibly also widening the gap further on the second in command. Our main objective is to extend the gap to at least 13 points on our followers by the 12th of February, which would mean that the difference would translate into 7 points when the promotion pool fixtures take off. That would put us in a comfortable position to safeguard the approaching possibilities of Floriana and Birkirkara (meantime not forgetting Tarxien), who in my humble opinion, remain the main challengers for the title this year'.
 
'We shall face this game with equal force and determination as we have done on all previous fixtures earlier this season, in an attempt to secure maximum possible points by the end of the second round. Our players are totally focused on the need to perform at their best levels. They are trained to believe and deliver. Their confidence and winning mentality will again make the difference at Ta’ Qali tomorrow. Just wait and see. See you all there. And you will hopefully have another majestic afternoon and much to boast about during the coming week'.

'Once again, well done and a big thanks to our twelfth man on the pitch. Just keep it going the way it is................. Colourful, forceful, noisy, organised, and okeyyyyyyy..... Cheeky but respectful. Game number 15 is on the doorstep, The Mareblu Tuna can never be defeated...........Tal-Lampuki here we come!!!!!!

Photo Credits: www.stephengatt.com