Stripes, Greens aim to extend winning runs
by Ayrton Galea - 4th January 2014
Champions Birkirkara FC have established themselves as the team to beat in the BOV Premier League, and they will be seeking to continue where they left off last year, when they face Floriana FC on Sunday afternoon.
The Premier League standings might put Birkirkara as favourites for this match, but certainly, the performances that the Greens have been giving this season say otherwise. The Stripes should be wary of Floriana's positive run throughout this season, and they could easily be described as the surprise package of the Premier League. Birkirkara have another difficult obstacle to overcome, as the pressure continues to pile-up, following having clinched their ninth win in a row.
The current Champions seem to be peaking at the right time, as their recent dazzling performances have put them four points clear at the top of the table. Following a slow start, Birkirkara were quick to regain their last season's impressive form, as they are once again one of the main contenders of the Championship title.
Edward Herrera's gem of a goal paved the way, and then Jhonnattann Benites sealed the issue, for the ninth consecutive victory in the last match of 2013. The Stripes won the direct encounter against Hibernians with a 2-1 score to move six points over the same Paolites. With Valletta losing against Naxxar, the Stripes took full advantage and moved four points clear at the top of the table.
After a rather shaky start, conditioned by the six points deduction at the start of the season, Floriana have turned around in the recent weeks. They registered a positive run which sees them battling for a place in the Championship Pool.
The defeat to Valletta was the only blot in the Greens' last six matches, as they won the other five. Following the defeat against the Citizens, Floriana picked up three consecutive wins by beating Tarxien Rainbows and Vittoriosa Stars before they registered a dramatic 3-2 victory over Rabat in their last match.
The Stripes will be hoping to maintain their four point lead at the top of the BOV Premier League, while Floriana will be all out to make another step in their bid for a place in the Championship Pool phase.
Both teams will be unable to field their best formation. Jhonnattann Benites and Ryan Scicluna are suspended for Birkirkara. Floriana will be without the service of Idek Ebok, who was sent off in their last match, and is therefore suspended for this Sunday's clash.
In the first round match, Jhonnattann Benites' brace paved the way for a comfortable 3-1 victory with the other goal being scored by Nigerian Frank Temile.
The match will be played at the National Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 16:00.
Come on the Stripes!
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