Hibs aim at stopping Valletta from establishing new record

Hibernians will be all out to stop champions and BOV Premier League leaders Valletta from establishing a new record of thirty-eight unbeaten matches on Sunday as the two teams cross swords in one of the two games in programme at the National Stadium.

By defeating Mosta last week, the Citizens extended their unbeaten run to thirty-seven matches, therefore matching the record established by the Paolites in 1983.

Valletta claimed maximum points from the first four matches, defeating Tarxien, Hamrun, Qormi and Mosta. Hibernians, on the other hand, beat Marsaxlokk, Birkirkara and Balzan after being held in a 3-3 draw by Sliema in their first outing.

For Valletta, the injured Michael Mifsud joins Ryan Fenech and Ramon Dos Santos on the sidelines. Brazilians Rodolfo Soares and Marcelo Dias are in doubt for the Paolites.

Meanwhile in the first match, Balzan Youths take on Mqabba in a clash between two newly-promoted sides.

The two teams are currently joint-seventh after collecting four points from the first four matches. Balzan were awarded the points for the game against Hamrun and held Mosta in a draw while Mqabba defeated Marsaxlokk, holding Birkirkara in a draw.

Thiago Mazzitelli returns for Mqabba after serving a one-match ban. New Zealand striker Kris Bright should make his debut for Balzan but Jonathan Francica is ruled out through suspension.

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