Stripes to face Greens in bid for crucial points
by Ayrton Galea - 17th January 2015
Birkirkara FC will be trying to strengthen their bid as contenders of the BOV Premier League title when on Sunday afternoon they take on Floriana FC. Their task promises to be anything but plain-sailing, as Floriana harbour the ambition to make it to the top-four.
The saying ‘once bitten, twice shy' is probably the best way to describe how the Stripes should feel about this match, after the unexpected 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Greens in the first round.
The Stripes have now mastered some consistency, and they have been unbeaten in the last seven outings, out of which they won six, and drew against Balzan. Birkirkara have won their last three matches against Qormi, Mosta and Tarxien Rainbows. In their last match they won 2-1, despite playing for an hour with a player less, as Bissi was sent off.
On the other hand, Floriana cannot afford to fall further behind Balzan, after losing the direct clash against them last week with a score of 3-2. The Greens were coming from two victories, scoring eighth in the process, as they hit four past Zebbug and Naxxar, to recovery from the defeat against Valletta and the draw against Pieta Hotspurs.
While Birkirkara will be hoping for a Hibs' upset in their match against Balzan, they will be seeking to maintain their challenge for the Premier League title. The Stripes are currently in the second place with Valletta, fifteen points under the leaders Hibernians. On the other hand, Floriana are fifth, four under fourth-placed Balzan.
During this week, both teams brought in reinforcements, as the Stripes signed Dutch striker Nassir Macchi while Floriana acquired the services of Mano Micallef on loan from Mosta. However, the Greens loaned youngster Isaac Galea to Gudja United, while they lost the services of Joseph Borg to Sliema Wanderers.
Birkirkara will be without their central-defenders duo of Matheus Bissi and Nikola Vukanac. Bissi was sent off with a straight red card in the last match while Vukanac collected his fourth yellow card. For Floriana, Amadou Samb will be missing after he was sent off in the last match.
The match will be played at the National Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 16:00.
Come on the Stripes!
| Last Matches Played |
|---|
