Ħamrun Spartans will be looking to preserve their perfect record and move at the top of the Premier League standings when they take on Marsaxlokk on Wednesday at the Tony Bezzina Stadium (kick-off: 7.30pm).
The Spartans have enjoyed a very impressive start to their league campaign so far as after brushing aside Hibernians 4-1 in their opener, last weekend they easily saw off Pietà Hotspurs 2-0, with the match all but settled by the end of the first half.
Today, Branko Nisevic’s men will start as firm favourites to make it three wins out of three when they take on newly-promoted Marsaxlokk.
After their impressive showings in European football, which saw them become the first Maltese side to reach the Play Off round of the UEFA Conference League, the Spartans seem to have carried their momentum to the domestic scene.
In fact, the team is playing a high-intensity game based on a high percentage of possession and lightning attacking play through their attacking trio of Jonny, Elvis Mashike and Dodo.
Last weekend, Nisevic opted to rest Croatian midfielder Roko Prsa while Dodo was only included among the substitutes as he tried to rotate a bit with his squad in a bid to help them recover following their hectic European exertions.
Goalkeeper Henry Bonello missed the match against the Hotspurs after picking up an injury against Hibs and it remains to be seen whether Nisevic will recall his no.1 or continue with Spanish goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez in goal.
Although the Spartans will fancy their chances of another win, they will do well not to underestimate a Marsaxlokk side who last weekend held Gżira United to a goalless draw.
The southerners are still trying to find their feet in the Premier League, but against the Maroons they showed great defensive organisation and showed that they could prove to be a tough nut to crack.
So the Spartans will do well to approach the match with the right mindset if they are to prolong their perfect start.
