After a successful conclusion of the BOV Premier League, the FA Trophy finals are upon us with the first match taking place tonight between Gzira United and Floriana. Incidentally, this is the second match between the two teams in five days with the maroons securing their salvation from the drop with a 3-1 win over the Greens.
It’s been a disappointing end to the league campaign for Floriana who led for much of the season but came a cropper in their final two games, losing 5-0 against champions Hamrun Spartans and then against Gzira. So, coach Mauro Camoranesi will be hoping to turn the tables and emulate 2001 when Floriana lost out on the league but eventually won the FA Trophy after many years.
Gzira United have had a similarly disappointing season, mostly fighting it out against the drop and will also be hoping to recover some pride with a possible FA Trophy success. They will be looking to their usual stalwarts, Jackson Mendoza and Kyle Spence to make a difference whilst Floriana will be hoping that Kamar Reid will be on song once again.
Maltasport prediction:
Floriana 2 Gzira United 1
Wednesday’s match sees third placed Sliema Wanderers pitted against sixth placed Birkirkara. The Blues have had an amazing season, qualifying for Europe after their promotion from the Challenge League. Under the able guidance of coach Paul Zammit, the Wanderers have looked a stable outfit and will surely go into this tie as favourites against the Stripes.
Birkirkara have, on the other hand had a disappointing season through and through. They placed a disappointing fifth in the league table and were almost never in the running for a top spot. However, they have had an excellent run in the Trophy, eliminating Hamrun Spartans in the quarter finals and although starting as underdogs against Sliema, they will definitely fancy their chances.
The Stripes will be hoping for good performances from Pena Beltre Paul Mbong and Luke Satariano whilst Sliema have their talisman Myles Beerman and Vito Plut who have been outstanding all season. Its an intriguing encounter which could go either way.
Maltasport prediction
Birkirkara 0 Sliema Wanderers 1 aet
