Qormi, B'Kara seek third place

Qormi and Birkirkara will be all out to claim the three points on Sunday as they take on Sliema Wanderers and Tarxien Rainbows respectively. The two teams are currently fourth and a win would put them in third place, five points behind Hibernians and two ahead of Floriana.

In the first game, Qormi’s test will be a more difficult one as they face a Sliema Wanderers side eager for points after losing two games and bouncing back with a draw against Valletta. The Blues are currently sixth on 13 points and should they beat the team led by their former coach Stephen Azzopardi, they would join them on the 16-point mark.

Qormi won their last two matches, defeating Marsaxlokk and Mosta.

Defender Jeffrey Chetcuti is ruled out through suspension for Qormi while Christos Karamanolis and Giuseppe Vela are injured. Sliema will be once again without Henry Bonello and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

In the second match, Birkirkara start as favourites to claim the three points as they face Tarxien Rainbows. A game which puts the Stripes against their former coach Patrick Curmi.

Birkirkara registered comfortable wins over Hamrun Spartans and Floriana in their last two outings and another win over the Rainbows would confirm they are back on track to be among the challengers.

Tarxien, on the other hand, defeated a depleted Mqabba side 3-2 last week but are in desperate need of points as they lie second from bottom with seven points, one behind Hamrun and two ahead of Mosta.

Ricardo Costa returns for Tarxien after serving a one-match ban. Birkirkara defender Angus Buhagiar is suspended.

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