Valletta, Floriana aim at extending positive runs

Leaders Valletta and third-placed Floriana will be hoping to extend their positive runs on Saturday as they take on Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara respectively.

The champions are firm favourites to extend their unbeaten run to thirteen matches without defeat as they take on Sliema Wanderers. The two teams met last week with the Citizens turning a 0-2 defeat into a 5-2 win to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

After loaning Dyson Falzon, Jamie Pace and Ramon dos Santos, the Citizens secured the services of two foreign players – Argentine midfielder Nahuel Jimenez and Slovenian striker Miha Robic.

The Wanderers, on the other hand, are in need of points as they now lie in fifth place, on level points with Birkirkara – one behind Balzan Youths. The Wanderers are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Balzan Youths in their last league outing.

Danilo Doncic could not count on Steve Bezzina and Danial Mitev who are both suspended but Beppe Muscat and Roderick Bajada will be back after missing the last league game.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile in the first game, Floriana will be hoping to keep the pace with the teams on top as they take on Birkirkara.

Ten points separate the two teams although the Greens are currently third and Birkirkara share the fifth place. They won six of the last seven league matches. Foreigners Eric Akoto and Onome Sodje are both unavailable for Floriana.

Although Birkirkara won their last league game, defeating lowly Marsaxlokk 1-0, the Stripes continued to disappoint last week as they were eliminated from the FA Trophy by Hamrun Spartans. Dutchman Regillio Nooitmeer is expected to make his debut while Gareth Sciberras will be back for the Stripes after missing the last league outing.

In the first round, Birkirkara registered a comfortable 3-0 win.