Qormi, Sliema in battle for third place

The third place and possibly a place in the UEFA Europa League will be at stake on Tuesday as Qormi take on Sliema Wanderers in one of the matches which bring to an end the Championship Pool.

Lying three points ahead of Vince Carbonaro’s side, the Wanderers start as firm favourites to secure the third place since a draw would be enough. However Qormi defeated Sliema three times this season – 1-0 in the first round, 2-1 in the second and 4-0 in the third round.

Three weeks ago, six points separated the two teams with Qormi lying on the 27 points-mark and Sliema on 24 but since then, Qormi lost the games to Birkirkara, Tarxien and Valletta while Sliema registered wins over Tarxien and Hibs, losing to Valletta.

In case of a win for Qormi, both teams would end their commitments in joint-third position. A decider would then be necessary to decide which team will qualify for the UEFA Europa League in case BOV Premier League runners-up Valletta win the U*BET FA Trophy.

Both sides are expected to be in full strength with no players injured or suspended.

Meanwhile in the first game, Hibernians take on Tarxien Rainbows. A game in which the Paolites will be all out to end their negative run which saw them suffer eight consecutive defeats. Defeats which leave them anchored at the bottom of the Championship Pool with 17 points, three behind the Rainbows.

On the other hand, after securing a top-six finish, Tarxien collected seven points in the Championship Pool – a 3-3 draw with champions Birkirkara and wins over Hibs and Qormi.

The Rainbows, in fact, defeated Hibernians twice this season – 1-0 in the second round and 2-0 in the third round. The Paolites registered a 2-1 win in the first round.

For Tarxien, Andrew Decesare is ruled out through suspension.