Holders Birkirkara take on FA Trophy record winners Sliema Wanderers in the first semi-final at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 17:00.

After missing out on the BOV Premier League title, finishing third, the Stripes have set the FA Trophy as their main objective for the season and to reach the final they need to overcome the challenge offered by Sliema Wanderers who after a most disappointing season in which they finished seventh in the table seek to end the season on a high by winning the competition.

Sliema and Birkirkara met three times this season with the Stripes winning 3-1, 2-0 and 2-1. Therefore they start as firm favourites to reach the final and set-up a clash with either Balzan or Pembroke Athleta who face each other in the other semi-final on Sunday.

Birkirkara reached the semi-finals after defeating Kirkop United 6-0, Valletta 1-0 and Floriana 2-0. Sliema, on the other hand, beat Vittoriosa Stars 1-0, Gharghur 2-1 and St. Andrews 2-1.

The Wanderers won the FA Trophy a record twenty times while Birkirkara won it five times.

Extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw at the end of extra-time, the penalty shoot-out will determine the winner.