Valletta start as firm favourites to extend their unbeaten record to twenty-three matches as they take on Championship Pool wooden-spoonists Balzan.

Last week, the Citizens moved six points clear on top the BOV Premier League table with a 3-2 win over second-placed Hibernians.

Balzan lost four of the last five matches and will only aim at giving their opponents a hard time after suffering a heavy 2-7 defeat to Valletta in the last clash between the two.

The Youths welcome back Roderick Farrugia and Jonathan Francica who were both suspended. Steve Borg and Alfred Effiong will be back for Valletta after serving a suspension but goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is ruled out through suspension.

The two teams met three times with Valletta defeating Balzan 2-0 twice in the first phase before last month’s 7-2 win.

Meanwhile in a match from the Relegation Pool, Qormi seek revenge over Marsaxlokk as they hope to return to winning ways and stay on top of the Relegation Pool.

The Southseasiders had ended their winless streak with a win over Qormi in the third round and therefore Stephen Azzopardi’s side are keen to take the three points from this game. They are coming incredible alternating run of wins and defeats over the last eight matches.

Marsaxlokk lost fourteen of the last fifteen matches and after having three points deducted, they are destined to playing in Division 1 next season.

Marsaxlokk coach Anton Cremona could not field his best formation as Jonathan Xerri serves a one-match ban. For Qormi, Abubaker Bello Osagie returns after serving a one-match ban.

In the first two rounds, Qormi defeated Marsaxlokk 3-1 and 2-1 while the third round clash ended in a 1-0 win for Marsaxlokk.

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