Twenty-four days after the final of the U*BET FA Trophy brought to an end season 2011/12, domestic competitions for season 2012/13 get underway on Wednesday with the first game from the Euro Cup – the pre-season competition for the clubs representing Malta in European competitions.

Champions Valletta take on eternal rivals Floriana in the first game at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off at 18:30.

The Citizens ended the season on a rather disappointing note after being eliminated from the semi-finals of the FA Trophy but are now eager to do well ahead of their UEFA Champions League commitments.

Valletta are now led by new coach Mark Miller and his assistant Gilbert Agius. Most foreigners who were on the club’s books last season were not retained with the only two to stay being Denni Rocha dos Santos and William Barbosa. Players who were on loan with the club like Dyson Falzon and Ryan Fenech, among others, are back while three Brazilian players are on trial with the club.

Meanwhile following the departure of Joe Brincat, Ivan Woods is currently holding the post of coach and physical trainer. The club retained Patrick Jansen, Eric Akoto and Andre Grabowski but released Onome Sodje and Alandson Da Silva. Goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo and John Mintoff are now longer with the club after their loan term expired. Jermain Brincat, Sacha Borg and Luke Agius return with the Greens after spending time on loan with other clubs.

The second match will be played on Thursday between U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians and Birkirkara