Rivals Qormi and Hamrun Spartans face each other in a decisive clash against relegation in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday.

Two points separate the two teams as Qormi lead the way in the Relegation Pool with 27 points, followed by Hamrun on 25. Tarxien are third on 24, followed by Mosta on 21, Mqabba 18 and Marsaxlokk 6.

In order to make sure of retaining their Premier League status, Qormi need just one point while Hamrun have to win.

Qormi won three of the last four matches, defeating Marsaxlokk and Tarxien in their last two outings. Hamrun, on the other hand, are still unbeaten in the Relegation Pool – winning four games, the other three matches ending in draws. Last week, they defeated Marsaxlokk 3-1.

Gianluca Calabretta returns for the Spartans after serving a one-match ban but the presence of Dene Shields is still in doubt as he struggles to recover from an injury.

Qormi and Hamrun met three times – Qormi won the first two matches 3-2 and 3-0 but the Spartans won the third round clash 1-0.

Meanwhile in the second match, Hibernians seek revenge as they take on Birkirkara. In the third round, a penalty handed Birkirkara a narrow win over the Paolites and therefore the latter will be all out to claim the three points which would maintain alive hopes for the title.

Hibernians, who had registered two comfortable wins over Birkirkara in the first phase – 3-0 and 5-0, collected maximum points from the last two games against Sliema and Floriana without particular effort.

Birkirkara, on the other hand, disappointed in their last two outings, suffering defeats to Floriana and Valletta. Defender Rodrigo Pereira is ruled out through suspension

Hibernians cannot afford any result other than a win in order to keep the pressure on leaders Valletta. However Birkirkara will also aim for a positive result in their bid to secure third place.

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