Stakes could hardly be higher when northern rivals Mosta and Naxxar Lions clash in the Derby of the North at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday.

Both sides are chasing three crucial points, albeit for very different reasons. Naxxar Lions find themselves in a must-win situation as they look to revive their fading hopes of escaping the bottom two, while Mosta know that victory would mathematically secure their safety from relegation.

Naxxar, currently six points adrift of safety, will take to the field under new leadership after Winston Muscat was appointed head coach earlier this week, replacing George Vella. Despite the club’s precarious position, Muscat has approached the challenge with confidence and belief in his squad.

“I believe in this team because it has a lot of talent,” Muscat said during a press conference. “If I didn’t, I would never have taken on this role. I enjoy challenges and always give my maximum commitment.

“I also want to clarify that I never intended to be an obstacle for coach George. The decision was mutual between him and the club, and our handover was respectful and smooth. Now it’s time to move forward.

“The performances have often been encouraging, even if the results didn’t follow. What we need now is composure, mental strength and calmness. There’s no room for panic.

“It’s still early for me to know every player in detail, but I’m fully aware of the quality and potential that exist within this squad.”

Naxxar Lions coach Edson Farias also paid tribute to his former coach and underlined the squad’s determination ahead of what he described as a decisive fixture.

“I learned a lot from coach George. He’s a good coach and a good person, and I’m thankful for everything,” Farias said.

“This match represents our final opportunity to avoid the bottom two, so we must go for the win. Coach Winston has only had a few days with the team, but the sessions have been positive and we’re confident about what lies ahead, starting with this derby.”

Mosta, meanwhile, are fully aware of what is at stake. Technical Director Mario Muscat stressed that his side cannot afford complacency despite knowing that three points would secure their objective.

“A win will guarantee that we avoid the bottom two, but this will not be an easy match,” Muscat warned.

“Naxxar are highly motivated following the appointment of a new coach, which always gives a team extra drive. We’ve made it clear to our players that we’re facing an opponent full of determination.

“For Naxxar, this is a huge opportunity to stay alive in the battle for survival, so we must be fully prepared both physically and mentally. Thinking that a draw would be enough would be a big mistake.

“Our players have been working hard, staying disciplined and focused, with the clear target of taking all three points.”

Reflecting on Mosta’s season, Muscat admitted that the team has not matched last year’s standards but expressed optimism about the club’s future.

“Last season we beat the champions, Ħamrun Spartans, three times,” he said. “This year, however, every team has strengthened significantly, especially those competing at the top.

“We also lost several experienced players, including Clayton Failla, Larsson Coulibaly and Prince Afriyie. That said, we are integrating promising youngsters like Aidan Agius and Ryan Debono, and that is something we strongly believe in.”

Mosta captain Zachary Brincat echoed his club’s determination ahead of the derby.

“It’s an honour to represent a club like Mosta, which has always shown faith in me, and I’m very grateful for that,” Brincat said.

“Our only objective on Friday is to win. We’ve prepared well throughout the week and we know Naxxar will give everything, as this is a decisive match for them.

“We’re confident we can reproduce the same performance and outcome from earlier in the season, when we defeated them 3–0, and secure the three points.”