Vittoriosa, Qormi seek first points

After losing in their first outing, Vittoriosa Stars and Qormi will be seeking their first points on Saturday as the two teams face each other in one of the two matches in programme in the BOV Premier League.

The Stars gave a good account of themselves in their first game although they lost 0-3 to Valletta but it was only after having a player sent off that the Citizens made sure of the points with two late goals. Brazilian midfielder Carlos Emanuel Campagnoli is ruled out for Winston Muscat’s side after being handed a one-match ban. Mauro Brincat could be back in squad after missing the first game.

Qormi will be all out for their first win after losing to rivals Hamrun Spartans. They were strengthened with the signing of Nigerian striker Abubaker Bello-Osagie who should make his debut for Stephen Azzopardi’s side.

In the second game, champions Birkirkara will be hoping to continue where they had left on Monday as they take on Floriana. Despite lacking six players, the Stripes managed to beat Sliema Wanderers 4-1.

Carl Pulo returns for Birkirkara but Paul Zammit will still have to deal with the absence of Patrick Borg, Nikola Vukanac, Paul Fenech and Shaun Bajada – all suspended and the injured Alan Tabone and Ezequiel Lovizon. The Brazilian goalkeeper faces a long lay-off after being stretchered off the pitch with a fractured arm on Monday.

Floriana are seeking their first points after losing 1-3 to Hibernians in their first outing. The Greens should welcome Christian Caruana who missed the first game.