Premier League clubs back in action in mid-week programme

Sliema Wanderers take on Tarxien Rainbows and Pembroke Athleta face Birkirkara at the Hibernians Stadium on Tuesday as a mid-week programme from the BOV Premier League is scheduled between Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the first game, Sliema Wanderers will be aiming for another three points following a fine 4-1 win over St. Andrews during the weekend. The Blues lie in a most comfortable mid-table position, nine points behind sixth placed Floriana and seven ahead of eighth-placed Gzira United.

However Tarxien are eager to return to winning ways after failing to win any of their last eight matches. Coach Jesmond Zerafa stepped down on Thursday and they are yet to announce their new coach. In their last outing, they earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Hamrun Spartans.

Both sides are expected to be in full strength as Frank Temile will be back for the Wanderers after serving a one-match ban.

Sliema won the first round clash 2-1 but Tarxien registered a narrow 1-0 win in the second.

Meanwhile in the second match, Pembroke Athleta face Birkirkara. Three wins in the last four matches, including Saturday’s 3-0 win over Mosta, enabled the Stripes to move back in fourth place but they are still six points away from joint-second placed duo Valletta and Balzan.

Pembroke, on the other hand, suffered a sixth consecutive defeat as they lost 1-5 to Gzira, remaining anchored at the bottom of the table with 14 points.

Nikola Vukanac is ruled out for Birkirkara as he serves a one-match ban.

Pembroke defeated Birkirkara 2-1 in the first round with the Stripes winning the second round clash 2-0.