Champions Valletta take on FA Trophy winners Hibernians in big match

Sole leadership is at stake as FA Trophy winners Hibernians take on champions Valletta in this weekend’s big match from the BOV Premier League.

The two teams claimed maximum points from the first five matches. Hibs defeated Mosta, Qormi, Melita, Rabat and Balzan while Valletta beat Tarxien, Mosta, Qormi, Melita and Hamrun.

In fact, in their last outing, the Paolites registered a 3-2 win over Balzan despite ending in ten men while Valletta registered an incredible 8-2 win over Hamrun Spartans.

Michael Woods could not count on captain Mario Muscat and Marcelo Dias as they are both ruled out through suspension along with Clayton Failla who was handed a four-month ban by the Anti-Doping Commission. However Hibernians welcome back Udochukwu Nwoko after an absence of almost six years. Six years during which the former Malta international striker played for Marsaxlokk and then Leixoes in Portugal, Nautico in Brazil, Panthrakikos in Greece, Doxa Katokopia in Cyprus, Pas Hamedan in Egypt and Neath in Wales.

Jason Vandelannoite could also be back for Hibs after serving a one-month ban by the club.

On the other hand, Ricardo Filho is ruled out for Valletta.

The two teams met twice earlier this season. Hibs defeated Valletta 1-0 in the Euro Cup but the Citizens won the BOV Super Cup thanks to a 3-1 win.

Meanwhile in the first match, Birkirkara will be aiming at returning to winning ways as they take on Tarxien Rainbows.

A 1-3 defeat to Sliema in their last outing brought Birkirkara’s perfect start to an end and they are now keen to claim the three points. Tarxien, on the other hand, eye another positive result after a draw with Hamrun Spartans and wins over Balzan and Melita in their last three games.