Ħamrun Spartans coach Marco Amelia has urged his players to become more clinical in front of goal as the reigning contenders prepare to face Gżira United in a crucial VBET Malta Premier League encounter at the Tedesco Stadium on Sunday (11am).
The Spartans are involved in an increasingly tight battle for a place in the Top Six, with just four points separating the leading eight teams in the standings.
Amelia’s side were left frustrated last weekend after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Hibernians, a result which prevented them from collecting three valuable points.
The former Italy international believes his team must improve their finishing and concentration if they are to maintain their challenge.
“Sunday’s draw against Hibernians was hard to fathom as the team played very well,” Amelia said.
“I am pleased with the efforts of my players, but the one thing we need to improve is that we must start scoring more goals and try to kill off matches, as we can’t afford to drop points.”
Amelia acknowledged that Gżira United would provide difficult opposition, particularly following their improved performances in recent matches.
He also admitted that the unusual 11am kick-off would require adjustments to his team’s preparations.
The Ħamrun coach expressed concern about his side’s tendency to concede late goals, stressing the importance of maintaining concentration throughout matches.
“Last Sunday, for instance, it was our mistake as we had the ball at our feet but committed a mistake and we ended up conceding the equaliser,” he explained.
“We have to be ready and fully focused for all the 90 minutes or else we will be punished.”
The Spartans will welcome back midfielder Ognjen Bjeličić, who missed the draw against Hibernians through suspension.
Ħamrun defender Vincenzo Polito also warned against underestimating the Maroons, recalling that his side failed to defeat Gżira in their three league meetings last season.
“Gżira United have always been a very dangerous side, and we have to do all we can to bring home the three points that can boost our push for a Top Six berth,” Polito said.
He added that Ħamrun remained determined to challenge for the league championship after missing out on major honours last season.
Gżira hoping improved performances lead to first victory
Gżira United enter Sunday’s encounter encouraged by consecutive draws against Sliema Wanderers and Mosta, although they remain without a league victory this season.
Team manager Marlon Galea acknowledged that the Maroons had endured a difficult start to the campaign but believes recent tactical adjustments and squad reinforcements have helped improve their defensive performances.
“At the start of the season we were struggling defensively as we were conceding a lot of goals,” Galea said.
“But we brought some reinforcements to the squad, and the coach changed the way we play, and that had a positive effect on the team.”
Galea admitted that converting scoring opportunities remained a major concern.
The return of last season’s leading scorer Andre Costa has provided an attacking boost, although Maxuell Maia is expected to remain sidelined for another three to four weeks.
Galea also indicated that the club would need to strengthen its squad during the January transfer window after some overseas signings failed to meet expectations.
Despite their difficult league position, the Gżira team manager believes his players can rise to the challenge against Ħamrun.
“Obviously, Ħamrun are a very strong side, full of quality players, and it’s going to be a tough game for us,” Galea said.
“But our team tends to relish these kinds of challenges, and hopefully we can cause an upset.”
Midfielder Brookly Borg echoed those sentiments, insisting that the squad remained united despite their disappointing results.
“I am sure that once we get our first win, it could kickstart our season and inject more self-belief in the team,” Borg said.
With both sides desperate for points for different reasons, Sunday’s encounter promises to be another important fixture in the race to secure positions ahead of the league split.
VBET Malta Premier League fixtures
Friday, October 16
Tedesco Stadium
Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara – 8pm
Saturday, October 17
National Stadium
Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers – 3.30pm
Balzan vs Żabbar St Patrick – 6pm
Sunday, October 18
Tedesco Stadium
Gżira United vs Ħamrun Spartans – 11am
Tony Bezzina Stadium
Hibernians vs Birżebbuġa St Peter’s – 3.30pm
Floriana vs Mosta – 6pm
Sports Editor
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