Valletta vs B36 Torshavn Preview and Prediction Champions League Qualification 2016
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
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The kick off time of 01:00 may affect the size of the crowd, but those who prefer to be there and not watch on TV should create plenty of atmosphere. Valletta FC may have the upper hand, especially with their good run in this season’s Qualification, so they may start the match as marginal favourites with the pundits.
However B36 Tórshavn have been also been on good
form in the cup, so are sure to be brimming with confidence on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 too. With a difficult schedule ahead however, neither team will want a draw and a costly replay, so both should be going all out for the win.
B36 coach confident
Eyoun Klakstein, the B36 Torshavn coach, expects a tough match against Valletta this evening but is confident that his team can hold their own and progress to the next round.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” Klakstein said.
“We’re playing against a good team in Valletta and we expect a tough match but we have prepared well.”
Klakstein added: “Valletta are a strong team and have quality players in every position. They have some really good offensive players from South America but, of course, we can also sense our opportunities.”
Pressed to name the Valletta players who are likely to pose the biggest threat to his team, Klakstein replied: “The striker, Falcone, is a very good finisher but Valletta also have creative players on the wings and in midfield. We need to control these players.”
Valletta coach upbeat ahead of Champions League test
Valletta are heading into the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round match against Faroese side B36 Torshavn with a bold conviction that they can challenge for a place in the next round where a clash with Red Star Belgrade awaits the winners.
“We can’t keep looking at ourselves and think that our chances are slim,” coach Paul Zammit told a pre-match news conference ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 7pm).
“We need to go into these matches convinced that we can fight for qualification and this is how we are approaching these games.”
Zammit declared himself pleased with his side’s preparations for their Champions League commitments. This is in stark contrast with last summer when Zammit, having just replaced Ivan Zammit as Valletta coach, had little time to work with a much-changed squad in a topsy-turvy build-up to their Europa League games against Welsh side Newtown AFC, who progressed to the following round.
“We have basically retained the same squad with a few additions. We have signed two foreign players, Argentines Leandro Aguirre and Santiago Malano, plus Steve Borg.”
Malta defender Borg, who rejoined Valletta after a one-year stint with Cypriot club Aris Limassol, will play no part in today’s game as he has yet to complete his recovery from a fatigue injury.
“Steve has followed a rehab programme but he’s very close to regaining his fitness,” Zammit said.
In addition to Borg and goalkeeper Nicky Vella, who suffered an injury in the 1-1 draw against Birkirkara in a friendly match earlier this month, defender Ryan Camilleri is out as he starts a four-match UEFA suspension following his red card in the second leg of last year’s European game against Newtown.
Zammit was full of praise for the attitude and commitment of his players.
“The players reported back for training on May 26, which was not easy after such a gruelling championship, but the success of Valletta, apart from the support of the administration and fans, is also down to the work ethic and dedication of the players.”
Zammit is clearly not underestimating a team who have 16 games under their belt.
“B36 played 16 games in their domestic championship,” Zammit said.
“Their last game was on Thursday and they travelled to Malta the following day which shows that they are also determined to perform well in these games.
“B36 are fourth in their league. We did our research on them, we know what their strengths are but we are also aware of our own strengths.”
B36 coach confident
Eyoun Klakstein, the B36 Torshavn coach, expects a tough match against Valletta this evening but is confident that his team can hold their own and progress to the next round.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” Klakstein said.
“We’re playing against a good team in Valletta and we expect a tough match but we have prepared well.”
Klakstein added: “Valletta are a strong team and have quality players in every position. They have some really good offensive players from South America but, of course, we can also sense our opportunities.”
Pressed to name the Valletta players who are likely to pose the biggest threat to his team, Klakstein replied: “The striker, Falcone, is a very good finisher but Valletta also have creative players on the wings and in midfield. We need to control these players.”
Valletta coach upbeat ahead of Champions League test
Valletta are heading into the first leg of their Champions League first qualifying round match against Faroese side B36 Torshavn with a bold conviction that they can challenge for a place in the next round where a clash with Red Star Belgrade awaits the winners.
“We can’t keep looking at ourselves and think that our chances are slim,” coach Paul Zammit told a pre-match news conference ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off 7pm).
“We need to go into these matches convinced that we can fight for qualification and this is how we are approaching these games.”
Zammit declared himself pleased with his side’s preparations for their Champions League commitments. This is in stark contrast with last summer when Zammit, having just replaced Ivan Zammit as Valletta coach, had little time to work with a much-changed squad in a topsy-turvy build-up to their Europa League games against Welsh side Newtown AFC, who progressed to the following round.
“We have basically retained the same squad with a few additions. We have signed two foreign players, Argentines Leandro Aguirre and Santiago Malano, plus Steve Borg.”
Malta defender Borg, who rejoined Valletta after a one-year stint with Cypriot club Aris Limassol, will play no part in today’s game as he has yet to complete his recovery from a fatigue injury.
“Steve has followed a rehab programme but he’s very close to regaining his fitness,” Zammit said.
In addition to Borg and goalkeeper Nicky Vella, who suffered an injury in the 1-1 draw against Birkirkara in a friendly match earlier this month, defender Ryan Camilleri is out as he starts a four-match UEFA suspension following his red card in the second leg of last year’s European game against Newtown.
Zammit was full of praise for the attitude and commitment of his players.
“The players reported back for training on May 26, which was not easy after such a gruelling championship, but the success of Valletta, apart from the support of the administration and fans, is also down to the work ethic and dedication of the players.”
Zammit is clearly not underestimating a team who have 16 games under their belt.
“B36 played 16 games in their domestic championship,” Zammit said.
“Their last game was on Thursday and they travelled to Malta the following day which shows that they are also determined to perform well in these games.
“B36 are fourth in their league. We did our research on them, we know what their strengths are but we are also aware of our own strengths.”
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Title: Valletta vs B36 Torshavn Preview and Prediction Champions League Qualification 2016
Author maknyos
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https://thespektra.blogspot.com/2016/06/valletta-vs-b36-torshavn-preview-and.html
Author maknyos
Rating 100
