After suffering defeats in their last outings, Valletta and Birkirkara are both eager to return to winning ways as the two teams cross swords in one of the two BOV Premier League clashes in programme at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Birkirkara won five of the seven matches played, losing to Balzan and Tarxien Rainbows, and are currently second four points behind leaders Hibernians. Valletta, on the other hand, are currently seventh after losing to Mosta, Hibs and Pietà and being held in a draw by Tarxien.

Therefore while a win for the Stripes would put them just four points behind the leaders, Valletta have to win in order to join Mosta in fourth place.

The two teams have already met in the BOV Super Cup with the Stripes winning 2-1.

Meanwhile in the first match, Pietà Hotspurs take on Balzan.

Coming from a 2-1 win over Valletta, the Hotspurs will be aiming for another positive result in their bid to climb further up the table. Balzan, on the other hand, could move second should they beat Pietà and Birkirkara fail to beat Valletta. They are coming from a 1-1 draw with Floriana in their last outing.

Rafael Xavier is ruled out through suspension for Pietà.