Floriana, Birkirkara seek precious points

Floriana and Birkirkara will be all out to claim the three points on Saturday as they take on Tarxien Rainbows and Sliema Wanderers respectively in the two matches in programme at the National Stadium.

Hibernians lead the way with 56 points, followed by Balzan on 54, Valletta 53, Birkirkara 44 and Floriana 43. Therefore having no realistic chances for the title, Birkirkara and Floriana target a place in UEFA Europa League this summer. But while Floriana are still in the FA Trophy which could also provide a European slot, the only chance for Birkirkara is through the league placing.

The Stripes are yet to beat Sliema this season after suffering two 1-2 defeats in the first two rounds. But this time, they cannot afford any result other than a win. They are coming from back to back wins over Tarxien and Hamrun. The Wanderers, on the other hand, lie a comfortable mid-table position. After losing to Sliema and Hibernians, they bounced back with a narrow win over Gzira.

Birkirkara could not count on the suspended Gonzalo Malan but Predrag Jovic will be back after serving a one-match ban.

Meanwhile in the first game, Tarxien take on Floriana. After three consecutive wins over Mosta, Birkirkara and Pembroke, the Greens collected just one point from the last two matches – a draw with St. Andrews followed by a 0-2 defeat to Balzan.

Tarxien, on the other hand, suffered four successive 0-1 defeats to Hibs, Gzira, Birkirkara and St. Andrews but still lie thirteen points above the danger zone. However they have already defeated Floriana 1-0 in the first round while the second round ended in a 1-1 draw.

For the Greens, Enzo Ruiz and Ignacio Varela are ruled out through suspension. However they welcome back Steve Pisani.