New season gets underway with Euro Cup

Just twenty-six days after season 2010/11 came to an end with Ivan Woods’ late goal giving Floriana a narrow win in the U*BET FA Trophy final over champions Valletta, the two teams cross swords once again at the Hibernians Stadium on Friday in the competition which kicks-off season 2011/12 – the Euro Cup.

The competition is meant to serve as preparation for local teams taking part in European competitions. Valletta will be taking part in the UEFA Champions League while Floriana and Birkirkara will be participating in the UEFA Europa League.

Since the end of last season, Valletta released foreigners Omonigho Temile and Andrade Antunes Anderson and secured the services of former Msida St. Joseph winger Ousseni Zongo. They may also have another Brazilian striker in their squad but Brazilian defender Ramon Dos Santos is ruled out injured.

Floriana, on the other hand, are expected to be without foreigners Pablo Doffo and Daniel Nwoke. Lofti Saidi and Dragomir Draganov are no longer with the club while Christian Cassar’s one year loan term from Marsaxlokk expired.

Following a change in the rules governing the Euro Cup Competition, clubs may make use of a maximum of five guest players.

Birkirkara enter the competition on Monday as they take on the loser of Friday’s game. The third and final game will be played on Thursday 23.

All matches will be played at the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.

No tickets for the Valletta vs Floriana game will be available from the ticket booths at the stadium as they were being sold in advance.

Photo: Copyright © domenic aquilina