Spartans hope to return to winning ways

BOV-Premier-LeagueAfter suffering back-to-back defeats to Sliema and Balzan, Hamrun will be all out to return to winning ways as they host bottom-placed Pembroke Athleta in one of the BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday.

The Spartans are currently seventh on 11 points while Pembroke lie at the bottom of the table with four points. Pembroke lost seven out of the nine matches played and are eager to collect their first points since the appointment of coach Artim Shaqiri. They are coming from a narrow defeat to Sliema last week.

Goalkeeper David Cassar is still ruled out for Hamrun but Jorginho will be back after serving a one-match ban. Asani Djeljilj returns for Pembroke from suspension but Luke Montebello is ruled out injured.

Meanwhile leaders Balzan take on Tarxien Rainbows in the second match.

After losing to Birkirkara, Balzan returned to winning ways as they beat Hamrun Spartans 3-1. Tarxien, on the other hand, are joint-third from bottom after losing two out of the last four matches, collecting two points in draws with Pembroke and Mosta. They lost 0-1 to Valletta in their last outing.

Justin Grioli and Ayrton Azzopardi are ruled out injured for Balzan and Tarxien respectively.