B'Kara, Valletta cross swords for a place in U*BET FA Trophy semi-finals

BOV Premier League leaders Birkirkara take on Valletta for the second time in a week as the two teams cross swords in the quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy on Saturday.

Last Sunday, a goal by Trevor Cilia enabled Birkirkara to register their first win over Valletta this season and move four points clear on top. The Stripes’ morale is therefore sky-high and will be doing their best to upset their rivals once again. However the Citizens will be all out to revenge their defeat as the FA Trophy is definitely an important target for the club.

In the other three matches between the two teams earlier this season, Valletta defeated Birkirkara 2-0 in the Euro Cup and 3-1 in the Premier League first round while the second round clash ended in a 1-1 draw.

No players are ruled out through suspensions but Birkirkara will definitely lack Sylvano Comvalius who sustained an injury in the game against Valletta.

Meanwhile in the first quarter-final on Saturday, Hamrun Spartans take on Sliema Wanderers.

Hamrun Spartans, who have already secured their Premier League status thanks to three wins in the Relegation Pool, reached this stage after defeating two First Division teams – St. George’s 3-0 and Marsaxlokk 1-0. On the other hand, Sliema were awarded a bye as they are the holders of the trophy.

Lying nine points behind the leaders, the Wanderers now have the U*BET FA Trophy as their main objective and after suffering a heavy 0-4 defeat to Qormi last week, they will be all out to return to winning ways and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Sliema and Hamrun met twice this season with the Wanderers winning 5-0 in the first round and the Spartans claiming a 3-0 win in the second.

The other two quarter-finals Hibernians vs Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows vs Balzan Youths will be played on Monday.

In these matches, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw, penalty-kicks shall be taken in accordance with The Laws of the Game.

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