Hibernians target win to move closer to title

Hibernians could move an important step towards the twelfth title in the history of the club should they beat Birkirkara in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The Paolites won six out of the last seven matches, dropping the only points in a defeat to Valletta. They lead the way with 65 points, two points ahead of Balzan and six ahead of Valletta. A win would put Mark Miller’s side on the 68-point mark, five ahead of Balzan with just two games to go – with the Paolites facing St. Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows.

Birkirkara are currently fourth, four points behind Valletta and a win over the Paolites would therefore put them just one point behind the Citizens. They are unbeaten in eight matches, defeating Balzan 3-1 and holding Valletta in a 3-3 draw in their last two matches.

Hibernians defeated Birkirakra 1-0 in the first round but the Stripes registered a 2-1 win in the second.

Meanwhile in the first match, Mosta chase precious points from the clash with Sliema Wanderers.

After having five points deducted and Pembroke’s 2-1 win over Hamrun on Saturday, Mosta now lie at the bottom of the table, one point behind Pembroke. However the team led by Johann Scicluna hopes to continue building on the 3-1 win over Tarxien and the 2-1 win over Pembroke to abandon once again the bottom place.

The Wanderers are unbeaten in six matches and are coming from back-to-back wins over Hamrun and Floriana.

Yenz Cini will be back for Mosta after serving a one-match ban. For Sliema, Peter Xuereb is suspended.

Following a 1-1 draw in the first round, Mosta defeated Sliema 2-1 in the second round.