The BOV Premier League resumes on Saturday following the international break due to the senior national team’s clashes with England and Lithuania and the Malta Under-21 side’s qualifiers against Latvia and Moldova.

Valletta hope to end their disappointing run as they take on Gzira United, Hibernians face Floriana in bid to keep the pace with leaders Balzan, Sliema Wanderers chase a third consecutive win as they play Hamrun Spartans while Tarxien Rainbows cross swords with Mosta.

Hamrun Spartans vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 15:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After a most disappointing start, Sliema Wanderers are back on track after winning three out of the last four matches, including back-to-back wins over Tarxien and Floriana in their last two outings. Hamrun, on the other hand, are currently fourth, defeating Mosta 5-2 in their last game.

Italian goalkeeper Giuseppe Sarao is set to return for the Blues after missing the last games but Marko Potezica is ruled out through suspension. Sergio Raphael serves a one-match ban for Hamrun.

Floriana vs Hibernians, kick-off 17:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After losing three out of the last five matches, including a 1-3 defeat to Sliema two weeks ago, Floriana are eager to return to winning ways but this will be no easy task as Hibernians, who share the second place with Birkirkara, also hope to return to victory after being held in a draw by Gzira in their last outing.

Enzo Ruiz is ruled out for Floriana through suspension while coach Giovanni Tedesco and his assistant Salvatore Caleca are still unable to lead the team from the bench.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Mosta, kick-off 15:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Tarxien hope to bounce back from a 2-2 draw with Pembroke with a win over Mosta who lost two of the last three matches, losing heavily to Hamrun in their last outing. Following the departure of Edmond Lufi, Ivan Zammit will be solely responsible to lead the team.

Zammit hopes he will be able to field his best formation. On the other hand, Ayrton Azzopardi, Matthew Tabone and Julian Galea are recovering from injuries for Tarxien.

Gzira United vs Valletta, kick-off 17:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After earning just two points from the last four matches, Valletta will be all out to return to winning ways as they take on Gzira United. The Citizens drew with Balzan and Birkirkara and lost to Floriana and Hibernians and are now in joint-fourth place. The Maroons, on the other hand, lie just two points behind Valletta and are coming from a 1-1 draw with Hibernians.

Roderick Briffa is ruled out injured for Valletta but Leandro Aguirre will be back after serving a two-match ban.