Vittoriosa, Naxxar fight to avoid quick return to Division 1

vittoriosa-naxxar140104Vittoriosa Stars and Naxxar Lions cross swords at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday in a decisive match against relegation to Division 1. The two teams were promoted at the end of last season and therefore aim at avoiding a quick return to the First Division.

At the end of the first phase, Naxxar Lions enjoyed a nine-point lead over their opponents but in the Relegation Pool, with the number of points being halved, Vittoriosa eventually leapfrogged Naxxar and now lead them by one point.

In fact, while Naxxar had won eight matches and obtained three draws in the first phase compared to the five wins and three draws for Vittoriosa, in the Relegation Pool, Vittoriosa won four and drew three compared to the two wins and three draws for Naxxar.

The Stars are coming from five consecutive positive results – two draws and three wins – while the Lions suffered two defeats in their last two outings. On Friday, only a win would satisfy Naxxar as a draw would be enough for Vittoriosa to retain their Premier League status for the first time in recent years.

Both sides are expected to be in full strength as no players are ruled out through suspension.

In the previous encounters earlier this season, two clashes ended in draws – 1-1 and 3-3 – with the second round clash ending in a 1-0 win for Naxxar.

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