Valletta will be hoping to end the calendar year in style by winning the BOV Super Cup as they take on Balzan at the National Stadium on Thursday, kick-off at 15:00. In fact, with the Citizens having won both the BOV Premier League title and the FA Trophy, it will be up to last season’s runners-up to challenge them for this final honour of 2018 and the first honour for season 2018/19.

2018 was a year to remember for Danilo Doncic’s side who took over as Valletta coach in mid-December. He steered the Citizens to the double and although performance in Europe was below expectations and a slow start to the BOV Premier League 2018/19 campaign, they are unbeaten in ten matches, dropping the only points in a draw with Gzira while maintaining a clean sheet in the last six league matches.

Photo: Copyright © Andrew Grima

Balzan, on the other hand, were disappointed to end last season empty-handed after enjoying the top spot for several weeks. In summer, they managed to reach a further round of a UEFA competition for the first time after eliminating Kesla FK of Azerbaijan. However their Premier League campaign so far was far from impressive as they lie fourth, on level points with Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans, eight points behind leaders Hibernians.

The BOV Super Cup also gives Balzan the opportunity to claim their first major honour. A trophy which Valletta had already won a record eleven times.