Balzan look to step up European charge with win over Valletta

Balzan have the opportunity to move up to second in the Premier League standings with victory over Valletta on Friday evening as the Reds look to step up their chase for European football.

Oliver Spiteri’s team have been one of the most in-form sides since the turn of the new year as four wins in a row have catapulted the side well in contention for a top three finish and a return to UEFA club competitions this summer.

Last weekend, the Reds served another statement of intent when they brushed aside Floriana 3-1 to put themselves in a strong position and challenge for at least third place come the end of the season.

In fact, Balzan are currently sharing fourth spot with Hibernians on 39 points, one adrift of Birkirkara and three less than second-placed Gżira United.

Today, their task will be anything but easy as they face a Valletta side who while they may be out of the equation for European football for a second successive season, but in the past few weeks were behind some remarkable performances.

In fact, Thane Micallef’s team produced one of the biggest results last weekend when they stunned Gżira 2-1 to blow the race for the two places in the UEFA Conference League wide open.

The Citizens have held their own against the league’s top sides this season as apart from their win over Gżira United have also held Birkirkara to a 1-1 draw apart from defeating Hibernians 4-0 and no doubt they will be tough opponents for Balzan.

PROGRAMME

PLAYING ON FRIDAY

CENTENARY STADIUM

Valletta vs Balzan        18.30

PLAYING ON SATURDAY

NATIONAL STADIUM

Ħamrun S. vs Gżira Utd             14.00

Mosta vs Birkirkara     18.00

TONY BEZZINA STADIUM

Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk        14.00

Floriana vs Żebbuġ R.  16.15

PLAYING SUNDAY

NATIONAL STADIUM

Sirens vs Sta Lucia       15.00

TONY BEZZINA STADIUM

Pieta H. Vs Gudja         15.00