After being eliminated from the FA Trophy by Sliema Wanderers on penalties, Hibernians will be hoping to bounce back with a win on Friday as they take on Naxxar Lions at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The Paolites are unbeaten in the last five league matches, having defeated Senglea Athletic 5-1 in their last league outing. They are currently fifth on 35 points, two behind Birkirkara and Gzira.

Naxxar, on the other hand, are joint-second from bottom with Tarxien on 14 points, following a 2-5 defeat to the Rainbows in their last outing.

Both sides will be unable to field their best formation as Naxxar’s Ryan Grech and Hibernians defender Rodolfo Soares are ruled out through suspension.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.