Ħamrun Spartans coach Gianluca Modica has admitted that his side have little room for mistakes as they prepare to face league leaders Floriana in a crucial YoHealth Malta Premier League Top Six encounter on Wednesday at the National Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

With just two matches remaining in the Opening Round, Floriana hold a four-point advantage over reigning champions Ħamrun Spartans and require only a point to secure first place in the Top Six. For the Spartans, however, victory is essential if they are to reduce the gap to a single point and take the title race to the final day, when they face Sliema Wanderers.

Ħamrun approach the decisive clash following a period of transition after the conclusion of their UEFA Conference League commitments. Modica confirmed that several players have departed the club, including Merlin Hadzi, Ante Coric, Semar Smajlagic, Stijn Meijer and Domantas Simkus. French striker N’Dri Koffi is also edging closer to a move to Turkish side Vansport, although he is expected to feature against Floriana.

“After finishing our European commitments, we opted to make some changes to the squad, with some players choosing to seek pastures new while others were released,” Modica said.

“I remain honoured to have worked with such a great group of players who rewrote the history books not only of our club but of Maltese football in general. I wish them all the best in their future.

“Now we have a very delicate match against Floriana which we know we need to win at all costs if we are to continue battling for top spot. We spent the Christmas break working hard and trying to understand how to approach this difficult match to achieve the result everyone at the club wants.

“Having a smaller squad is an added challenge, but I have a lot of faith in my players. The level of commitment and work ethic they have shown fills me with optimism that we can put in a great performance.”

Midfielder Ryan Camenzuli echoed his coach’s sentiments, insisting that January squad changes are natural and that the focus remains firmly on securing all three points.

“We may have lost some players, but our objective remains the same because this is a crucial match for us,” Camenzuli said.

“Floriana have been very consistent this season, but we have our own style of play that has brought us some great results. Now that our European campaign is over, there is less mental pressure, and I’m confident we can perform at a very high level week in, week out.

“Our goals are clear. We have three titles to fight for – the Super Cup, the league and the FA Trophy – and we want to win them all to cap what has been a historic season in the best possible way.”

Floriana, meanwhile, are eager to capitalise on their strong position and seal top spot in the Opening Round. The Greens also have a score to settle against Ħamrun, having lost 3-1 in the League Phase and 2-0 in the Last 16 of the Jubilee Cup earlier this season.

Despite that, Floriana coach Daniel Portela believes the pressure rests squarely on the Spartans.

“We respect all teams and always try to stay humble and work hard,” Portela said.

“We have played Ħamrun twice already. In the first match, I didn’t like our performance, and in the second, we were unlucky with certain episodes. But tomorrow we are under no pressure. It’s Ħamrun who need to win at all costs.

“Our fate is in our own hands. It’s a great challenge against a very strong opponent, but we are also a strong team. In the end, whoever commits the fewest mistakes will come out on top.”

Floriana captain Dunstan Vella stressed that his side will not play for a draw despite knowing that a point would be enough to secure first place.

“It’s a crucial match for both teams,” Vella said.

“We have been in situations before where a point was enough, but experience teaches you that approach often invites pressure. Our mindset is to go out and try to take all three points.

“Finishing top would crown all the good work we have done in the first part of the championship, so we need to finish the job. One big positive is the development of the team – we have grown a lot, and I am looking forward to seeing this group reach even higher standards.”

With pride, momentum and a first-phase title on the line, Wednesday’s showdown promises to be a defining moment in the YoHealth Malta Premier League season.