Stripes target sole leadership

Birkirkara will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to ten matches without defeat as they take on Sliema Wanderers in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday at the National Stadium.

The Stripes currently lead the way with 33 points together with Valletta. In their last outing, they registered a narrow 2-1 win over Floriana.

The Wanderers, on the other hand, are fifth on 22 points. They returned to winning ways last Sunday as they came from behind to beat wooden-spoonists Dingli Swallows 3-1. With just six points separating five teams in their bid to secure a place in the Championship Pool, Sliema need to make the most out of this game.

In the first round, Birkirkara defeated Sliema 3-0.

Meanwhile in the first match, Floriana take on Hibernians. The Paolites are currently fourth on 25 points while the Greens are third from bottom on 19 points.

Hibernians lost 2-4 to Valletta after holding both Qormi and Birkirkara. Floriana, on the other hand, are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Birkirkara. They won just one out of the last six matches, losing four.

For Hibernians, Mario Muscat and Aaron Xuereb are ruled out through suspension but they should have Brazilian striker Elton Crepaldi Morelato making his debut. On the other hand, Brian Said will be back for Floriana after serving a one-match ban.

In the first round, Floriana defeated Hibernians 3-2.