Four teams seek precious points

Four teams will be seeking precious points on Friday as Sliema Wanderers take on Mqabba and Balzan Youths face Qormi in the two matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

In the first game, Sliema Wanderers meet Mqabba in the first of two clashes in a month’s time after the two teams were also paired together in the third round of the U*BET FA Trophy.

After collecting just six points from the last four matches, the Wanderers are now sixth and a win over Mqabba would enable them to move temporarily in fourth place. They earned a point in a draw with Hibernians last Saturday but the absence of no less than four players – Josef Mifsud, Steve Bezzina, Cleavon Frendo and Danial Mitev – as they serve a one-match ban definitely makes things a bit more difficult for Danilo Doncic’s side.

Mqabba lost four of the last five matches but in three cases, they lost by just one goal as it was the case of last week’s clash with Floriana. The Reds are therefore keen to return to winning ways but their main priority will be that of avoiding another defeat.

In the first round, Sliema beat Mqabba 2-0.

In the first match, Balzan Youths take on Qormi in a clash between two teams whose morale is high.

The Youths came back from one goal down to beat Hamrun Spartans 2-1 with two late goals in their last outing while Qormi managed to beat Birkirkara 2-0 to move fourth. Balzan, on the other hand, are currently seventh on 14 points and with a win on Friday, they would move to just three points behind Qormi.

Stuart Duff and Luke Sciberras are both suspended for Qormi while captain Joseph Farrugia is still recovering from an injury. Clifton Ciantar and Jonathan Francica will be back for Balzan.

In the first round, Qormi registered a comfortable 3-0 win.

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