Msida take on Floriana in do-or-die clash

Msida St. Joseph and Floriana cross swords in what could be considered as an almost decisive game against relegation at the Hibernians Stadium on Sunday. Three points separate the two teams with Floriana lying on the 12-points mark and Msida on 9.

The first game in programme is another Relegation Pool clash between Dingli Swallows and Hamrun Spartans.

The Spartans lead the way with fourteen points and are coming from a narrow win over Floriana which put them closer to safety. With a win over Dingli, the Spartans would definitely move closer to securing their Premier League status.

Dingli have now gone over four months without a win and are coming from a series of fifteen successive defeats. After going close to surprising Msida by going two goals ahead before conceding three goals, the Swallows will make another attempt at ending their negative run.

Hamrun coach Steve D’Amato could not field his best formation due to the absence of Manolito Micallef who is suspended.

The Spartans defeated Dingli 3-0 and 3-1 in the first two rounds.

In the second match, Floriana and Msida St. Joseph will both be all out to claim the three points. Floriana would move six points clear of Msida and would therefore move a closer to securing a place in the Premier League next season. On the other hand, a win for Msida would open wide the battle against relegation as they would join the Greens on level points.

Floriana lost 1-2 to Hamrun in their last outing while Msida came back from behind to beat Dingli 3-2.

Julian Briffa and Orosco Anonam will be back for Floriana while Clifton Ciantar, Owen Bugeja, Christian Caruana and Joseph Borg should also make it to the squad after missing the last game. Goalkeeper Manuel Bartolo and Zoran Levnaic will be back after skipping the game against Dingli as they were serving a one-match ban.

Floriana defeated Msida twice – 2-1 in the first round and 4-2 in the second.

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