Matchday 23 of the 360Sports Malta Premier League will see one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Sliema Wanderers take on Floriana in the Old Firm Derby.
Both managers, Paul Zammit of Sliema and Darren Abdilla of Floriana, have shared their thoughts ahead of the encounter, with three crucial points at stake for both sides.
Zammit Aims for Consistency in Closing Round
Sliema boss Paul Zammit highlighted how the new league format has provided teams with the chance to strengthen their squads and push for a higher finish in the Closing Round. He acknowledged that his side struggled with inconsistency earlier in the season but believes they have begun to make amends in this phase of the competition.
Looking ahead to the clash with Floriana, Zammit stressed the significance of the fixture not just for both clubs but for Maltese football as a whole. However, he insisted that his team must approach it with confidence and belief in their ability to claim victory. He also praised Floriana’s recruitment in the January transfer window, describing them as a side that has built a squad of real quality.
Floriana Seek to Improve Goal Output
Floriana have been struggling in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just three times in their last five league outings. They emphatically started the Closing Round with a 4-0 victory over Naxxar Lions, but a 2-0 defeat to Melita followed, raising concerns about their attacking efficiency.
Despite this, head coach Darren Abdilla played down any concerns about inconsistency, viewing it instead as an area for improvement rather than a major problem. He emphasised that his squad must keep working to sharpen their attacking play and capitalise on their chances.
Floriana will be without captain Dunstan Vella for this encounter, but Abdilla is confident that whoever steps in will deliver a strong performance. He also underlined the importance of securing all three points against their fierce rivals, stating that this match carries extra significance for the club and its supporters.
Kick-off Details
The Old Firm Derby between Sliema Wanderers and Floriana will take place at the National Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 13:45.
