Griga fears for Senica greenhorns

With only six games of the 2010/11 campaign remaining, FK Senica are two points clear of reigning champions MŠK Žilina and a resurgent ŠK Slovan Bratislava, but the surprise package are eager to cling on for a first title.

Senica face Žilina on Friday having not suffered a defeat this year and remain unbeaten in 11, with goalkeeper Petr Bolek having gone 797 minutes without conceding – a national record only bettered by Slovan's Miroslav König who kept a clean sheet for 1129 minutes during the 1998/99 season.

However, those statistics provide little solace for Senica coach Stanislav Griga. "All that means nothing," the Zilina-born former Czechoslovakia striker told UEFA.com. "I sense no euphoria at the club and also my players are inexperienced when it comes to title fights. In my opinion, Žilina will be favourites for the upcoming game."

Reigning champions Žilina have met Senica twice this season without success, drawing 0-0 at home and succumbing to a 2-1 away defeat. "For sure, it will be tough game, especially when you think that Senica have conceded one goal in ten games," Žilina coach Pavel Hapal said. "Our start to the second part of the season was not very good, and we are still having problems scoring goals, especially away, but we still have a chance to retain our title. Everything is open."

Following a goalless draw at MFK Ružomberok, Žilina dropped to third behind Slovan, with both teams on 50 points. "Slovan's situation is now very good," Hapal said. "If they win all six games until the end of the season, the Slovak crown will move to Bratislava."