Joe Brincat hopes to put Greens back on track

New Floriana coach Joe Brincat hopes to put the Greens back on track as they take on Balzan Youths in one of the two BOV Premier League in programme on Friday.

The Greens failed to win any of the last six games, collecting just three points in three draws. This disappointing run put Floriana in fourth place and therefore a win against Balzan is a must as they challenge for a place in the European competitions this summer.

The Youths earned a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sliema Wanderers on Sunday and now hope to collect another positive result.

Balzan team manager Ivan Zammit will be unable to field his best formation as although goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri returns after missing the last game, Clifton Ciantar, Dylan Grima and Miguel Ciantar serve a one-match ban. Eric Akoto, Manolito Micallef and Ivan Woods will be back for Floriana after missing the game against Birkirkara but Duncan Pisani and John Mintoff are suspended.

In the first round, Floriana registered a 3-1 win but the second round clash ended in a 2-2 draw. Floriana beat Balzan Youths 1-0 in the FA Trophy fourth round.

The first match in programme is the Relegation Pool clash between Mqabba and Marsaxlokk.

After defeating Mosta in their last outing, Mqabba will be all out to claim the three points as they face a Marsaxlokk side who suffered a heavy defeat during the weekend. Mqabba’s win put them in joint-third place in the Relegation Pool and with another win on Friday, they would move four points clear of Tarxien and seven clear of Marsaxlokk. They have already beaten Marsaxlokk twice this season – 2-0 and 1-0.

Marsaxlokk lost 1-6 to Hamrun Spartans last week and coach Anton Cremona had a hard task this week in trying to lift the morale of his players. This was the eleventh defeat in twelve matches.