Stripes target precious points as they take on rivals Valletta

Birkirkara will be hoping to bring to an end Valletta’s unbeaten run on Monday as they hope to close in on Floriana in the battle for the runner-up position.

The Stripes are currently third on 25 points, five behind Floriana. In a week’s time, Birkirkara and Floriana will be facing Marsaxlokk and Valletta respectively before the two teams cross swords in a probably decisive encounter on May 6.

Birkirkara collected eight points from the last six matches and are coming from a 2-2 draw with Hamrun Spartans in their last outing.

Meanwhile after being declared champions, Valletta will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run further. They won their last give matches, defeating Birkirkara, Floriana, Tarxien, Hamrun and Marsaxlokk.

Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech and Valletta defenders Ian Azzopardi and Ramon Dos Santos are all ruled out through suspension.

The two teams met five times this season. Following a 3-0 win in the Euro Cup in July, the Citizens won the BOV Super Cup, defeating Birkirkara 3-2 after extra-time. The BOV Premier League first round clash ended in a 2-2 draw but Valletta won the other two clashes 3-1 and 1-0.

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