Tricky tests for Floriana, Tarxien

Floriana and Tarxien Rainbows face tricky tests on Sunday as they seek to narrow the gap with leaders Valletta.

The Greens take on Sliema Wanderers in the first match following an eventful week which saw key members of the Floriana committee resigning and then re-appointed in an extraordinary general meeting.

Floriana are eager to bounce back after losing 1-3 to Tarxien last week. A defeat which leaves them in third place, one point behind the Rainbows. Todor Raykov will be unable to field his best formation as Tyrone Farrugia and Manolito Micallef are ruled out through suspension but Pablo Doffo and possibly Daniel Nwoke would be back after missing the last game.

The Wanderers will be under the guidance of former Floriana coach Danilo Doncic who replaced Mark Marlow earlier this week. Lying third from bottom, even two wins in the last two matches may not be enough to secure a place in the Championship Pool. They are coming from a 1-4 defeat to Valletta last week.

Etienne Barbara will be making his debut for the Wanderers but Mark Scerri and Jackson Lima are ruled out through suspension.

In the first round, Floriana registered a 1-0 win.

The second game in programme is the Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows derby. A clash between the team currently second from bottom and the team currently in second place.

With a win over their rivals, the Rainbows would move back to ten points behind leaders Valletta. Tarxien, who are unbeaten in eleven matches, are coming from a 3-1 win over Tarxien.

Hibs, on the other hand, suffered defeats to Vittoriosa and Qormi in their last two outings and are already condemned to playing in the Relegation Pool

In the first round, Tarxien registered a 2-0 win.