Direct clashes for second place, against relegation

Two direct clashes are in programme on Saturday as Qormi take on Vittoriosa Stars in what could be a decisive match against relegation while Floriana face Marsaxlokk in a battle for second place.

In the first match, Qormi seek a point which would secure their Premier League status and condemn Vittoriosa to playing in Division 1 next season.

The Stars defeated Hibernians in their last outing to narrow the gap to five points, with two games to go. To avoid relegation, Vittoriosa have to beat Qormi and then Sliema in their last outing, hoping that Qormi lose to Hibs in their last game.

Qormi will once again lack a number of players due to injuries and suspensions. Kang Hojung is suspended after receiving a fourth yellow card. Jason Van­de­lannoite serves the second of his two-match ban.

Vittoriosa, on the other hand, welcome back Edison Luis Dos Santos and Stephen Wellman who missed the last game through suspension.

In the previous rounds, Qormi defeated Vittoriosa 4-1 twice with the other clash ending in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile in the second match, Floriana face Marsaxlokk in a must-win clash for both sides as both teams seek a place in Europe.

Floriana are currently second on 23 points, followed by Marsaxlokk on 22. This means that a win for the Greens would put them four points clear of the Southseasiders.

Marsaxlokk won the first round clash 1-0 and after a 3-0 win for Floriana in the second round, the Southseasiders shocked the Greens in the third round, beating them 4-0 thanks to four goals by Alfred Effiong.

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