Citizens target fifth successive win

Leaders Valletta could move six points clear on top the BOV Premier League table on Saturday should they beat Qormi in one of the two matches in programme at the National Stadium.

The Citizens won seven of the last eight matches and are coming from four successive wins, defeating Hamrun Spartans 4-0 in their last outing.

Qormi, on the other hand, are currently joint-fourth on 20 points but lost two out of the last three matches, suffering a shock 0-2 defeat to Balzan last week.

Federico Mirarchi, Daniel Nwoke and Abubakar Bello-Osagie are all ruled out injured while Roderick Sammut serves a one-match ban. William Barbosa is also suspended for Valletta but Michael Mifsud could be back after missing the last game.

In the first round, Valletta defeated Qormi 3-1.

Meanwhile in the first game, Sliema Wanderers take on Floriana.

The Greens are currently third on 26 points and claimed maximum points from the last three matches, defeating Mosta, Mqabba and Tarxien. The Wanderers, on the other hand, lie in sixth place on 19 points after winning just one out of the last eight matches, earning points in four draws, losing the other three matches.

Namibian-German striker Wilko Risser could make his debut for Floriana and Joseph Borg will be back after missing the last game but Ivan Woods and Christian Caruana are both in doubt. Joseph Borg returns from suspension. For Sliema, Steve Bezzina, Josef Mifsud, Danial Mitev and Cleaven Frendo will be back after serving a one-match ban.

In the first round, Sliema beat Floriana 1-0.

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