Following a most comfortable 3-0 win in Serravalle, Valletta start as firm favourites to secure a place in the second qualifying round as they host SP Tre Fiori of San Marino in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. at the Hibernians Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:30.

A goal just before half time by Denni, another by Alfred Effiong and a penalty by Gilbert Agius did the job for the Citizens in Serravalle last week in a game which Valletta dominated and which could have easily won with a larger score had they been more accurate in front of goal.

For this game, Burkina Faso winger Ousseni Zongo will be at the disposal of Jesmond Zerafa after the failed arrival of the international clearance ruled him out of the first leg. New recruit Michael Mifsud is not available for selection but would be eligible for the second qualifying round.

Valletta reached a further round in a European competition twice. In 1999, they eliminated Barry Town of Wales, holding them in a 0-0 draw away from home and beating them 3-2 at Ta’ Qali. Ten years later, they beat Keflavik of Iceland 3-0 at the Centenary Stadium and then drew 2-2 in Iceland.

In the second qualifying round, Valletta would host Lithuanian champions FK Ekranas in the first leg at the Hibernians Stadium on Tuesday 12, kick-off at 19:30. The second leg will be played the following week.