Gzira, Hamrun chase wins in battle for third place

Gzira United and Hamrun Spartans will be all out to return to winning ways as they fight for third place in two of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium and the National Stadium.

In the first match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 14:00, Birkirkara take on St. Andrews.

A defeat to Valletta and draws with Floriana and Gzira leave the Stripes in seventh place on 30 points – five behind third-placed Gzira. A win against the Saints is therefore a must in their bid to challenge for a place in Europe this summer. St. Andrews, on the other hand, are fourth from bottom after losing four out of the last six matches.

Birkirkara’s Matthew Guillaumier and Jacob Walker of St. Andrews are ruled out as they serve a one-match ban.

In the first round, St. Andrews defeated Birkirkara 2-0.

In the second match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 16:15 , Qormi face Gzira United.

Qormi claimed three precious points in their last outing as a goal by Antonio Rozzi handed them a narrow win over Floriana. A win which enabled them to join Pietà Hotspurs on the 10-point mark. This was also the second win in three games for Mario Muscat’s side. The Maroons, on the other hand, failed to win any of their last five matches, earning just four points in draws. They lie no less than nine points behind second-placed Valletta.

Qormi could not count on the suspended Alan Abela. For Gzira, Rodolfo Soares serves a one-match ban.

In the first round, Gzira defeated Qormi 1-0.

In the first match at the National Stadium, kick-off at 14:00, Mosta take on Pietà Hotspurs.

The Hotspurs are desperate for points after losing their last eight matches, leaving them to share the bottom spot with Qormi, seven points behind Senglea. Mosta, on the other hand, collected seven points from the last three matches after a win over Tarxien, a draw with Balzan and a shock win over Hamrun. They are currently ninth on 19 points.

Both sides will be unable to field their best formation as Christian Grech and Antonio Orlando Macedo Neto are suspended for the Hotspurs; Gianluca Cuomo and Juri Cisotti for Mosta.

The Hotspurs registered a 3-1 win in the first round.

In the second match at the National Stadium, kick-off at 16:00, Sliema Wanderers face Hamrun Spartans.

After earning points in draws with Floriana, Gzira and St. Andrews, the Wanderers returned to winning ways as they defeated Tarxien . A win which put them in joint-fifth place, two points behind the Spartans. Hamrun, on the other hand, lost to Mosta following a series of ten positive results.

Hamrun and Sliema shared the spoils in a goalless draw in the first round.