Stripes hope to end disappointing run

After losing two of the last three matches, Birkirkara will be hoping to end their disappointing run and return to winning ways on Friday as they take on Mqabba in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The Stripes earned just a point in a draw with Mosta, losing 0-2 to Qormi and then Hibernians 0-5 last week. They share the fourth place with Sliema Wanderers and Qormi on the 20-point mark.

However their task will be no easy one as Mqabba seek a second successive win which would put them in seventh place, just two points behind Birkirkara. Last week, they registered a narrow win over Marsaxlokk.

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit welcomes back Paul Fenech and Shawn Bajada but could not count on the suspended Andrew Decesare, Rodrigo Pereira and Moises Avila Perez.

In the first round, Mqabba and Birkirkara shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile in the first match, Balzan Youths take on Hibernians.

The Paolites will be hoping to repeat last Sunday’s performance as they crushed Birkirkara, beating them 5-0, to keep the pace with leaders Valletta.

Balzan, on the other hand, are currently seventh and are eager to bounce back following a 0-1 defeat to Mosta in thier last outing.

Hibernians striker Marcelo Dias is suspended while Diego Balbinot, Adrian Pulis and Jonathan Pearson are all recovering from injuries.

In the first round, Hibs defeated Balzan 3-1.

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