Greens all out to upset rivals

Floriana will be all out to upset eternal rivals Valletta as the two teams cross swords in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday.

The Greens are having one of the best seasons over the last decade and are fully geared to making a return to European football. However in the last two games, they suffered two defeats, losing 1-3 to Tarxien Rainbows and 0-1 to Sliema Wanderers. A positive result is a must in order to boost their morale ahead of the second phase.

A draw would actually make no difference in their tally as they would still start the second phase on 14 points, seven points behind the Citizens. A win would on the other hand would see the Greens start the Championship Pool with 15 points, six behind Valletta.

Valletta dropped four points in two draws over the last three matches and are in fact coming from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Hamrun Spartans in their last outing. Beating Floriana is always a must for the Citizens and this would put them eight points ahead of the Greens.

Jamie Pace returns after serving a one-match ban for Valletta while Ryan Fenech is in doubt after sustaining an injury in the last game. Tyrone Farrugia, Manolito Micallef and possibly Daniel Nwoke will be back for the Greens but Thomas Paris is suspended.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a goalless draw.

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Meanwhile in the first match, Tarxien Rainbows take on Birkirkara.

The Rainbows are currently second on 28 points and the Stripes are fourth on 26.

Tarxien suffered a 1-3 defeat to rivals Hibernians in the derby and are eager to bounce back with a win which would enable them to stay in second place. Should they win, they would start the second phase on 16 points. With a draw they would start with fifteen.

Birkirkara are also hoping to return to winning ways after suffering a heavy 1-4 defeat to Qormi last week. A win would ensure they start the Championship Pool with 15 points. On the other hand, with a draw, they would start with fourteen.

Ibrahim Babatunde will be making his debut for the Stripes while Joseph Zerafa will be back after serving a suspension. Daniel Mariano Bueno is ruled out for the Rainbows as he serves a three-match ban.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a draw.