Battle for second place continues

Floriana and Marsaxlokk will be seeking maximum points from the games against Hamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows as the battle for second place in the BOV Premier League continues on Saturday.

The Greens are currently second on 27 points, followed by Birkirkara on 25 and Marsaxlokk on 23. The Stripes will be facing champions Valletta on Monday.

In the first match, Floriana will be aiming for a poker of wins over Hamrun Spartans, having already defeated them three times this season – 2-1, 3-1 and 2-0.

The Greens won four of the last six matches and another win over Hamrun would put them much closer to securing a place in the UEFA Europa League this summer, especially if Birkirkara fail to collect any points from the game against Valletta. In their last outing, they defeated Tarxien 2-1.

The Spartans, on the other hand, ended a negative run with a 2-2 draw in the game against Birkirkara. They now hope to upset the Greens in order to close in on fifth-placed Tarxien or even join them on level points.

Floriana coach Michael Woods will be unable to field his best formation due to the absence of Pablo Doffo and Thomas Paris who are both suspended.

Meanwhile in the second match, Marsaxlokk take on Tarxien Rainbows.

Lying four points behind Floriana and two behind Birkirkara, the Southseasiders cannot afford any result other than a win to maintain the challenge for the runner-up position. They are coming from a 0-1 defeat to Valletta in their last outing.

The Rainbows lost six of the last seven matches, collecting the only points in a win over Hamrun. They lost 1-2 to Floriana in their last outing.

Marsaxlokk captain Carlo Mamo and Tarxien defender Steve Sadowski are ruled out as they serve a one-match ban.

Following a goalless draw in the first round, Tarxien won 4-2 in the second round. The third round clash ended in a 1-0 win for Marsaxlokk.

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