Spartans target win to secure Premier League status

Hamrun Spartans will be all out to claim the three points on Saturday as they take on rivals Msida St. Joseph. A win which could secure Premier League status for the Spartans, almost condemning the Saints to Division 1.

Floriana currently lead the way in the Relegation Pool with 18 points, followed by Hamrun on 17, Msida 9 and Dingli 2. Hamrun and Msida, however, have a game in hand. Should they beat Msida, Hamrun would move on 20 points and Floriana would then need just one point from three matches to make sure of staying in the Premier League and condemning Msida to the First Division.

The Spartans defeated Floriana 2-1 and Dingli Swallows 6-0 in the first two matches of the Relegation Pool. Msida, on the other hand, came from behind to beat Dingli 3-2 in the first match but then lost 1-2 to Floriana.

The Saints will be unable to field their best formation as Kevin Mifsud and Andrew Formosa are ruled out through suspension.

Hamrun have already defeated Msida twice this season – 1-0 in the first round and 2-0 in the second.

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Meanwhile in the second game, Sliema Wanderers take on Qormi in a clash from the Relegation Pool.

The Yellows enjoyed one of the top three places until recently but four defeats in the last five matches saw them lose ground and are now fourth on 21 points. On the other hand, the Wanderers have now recovered well from a disappointing start and are currently third, three points ahead of Qormi and five behind second-placed Valletta.

Sliema are coming from a series of three successive wins, defeating Hibernians 2-1 in their last outing. Qormi, on the other hand, lost 0-3 to Valletta.

The Wanderers are yet to beat Qormi this season as the team led by Jesmond Zerafa and Vince Carbonaro defeated them twice – 1-0 and 2-1.