Spartans hope to end disappointing run

Hamrun Spartans will be hoping to end their disappointing run on Friday as they host Mosta in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.

The Spartans lost five out of the last seven matches, collecting the only points in wins over Mqabba and Tarxien. They lost to Floriana and Qormi in the last two outings.

Mosta, on the other hand, showed better form lately, collecting six points from the last three matches as they defeated Balzan Youths and Tarxien Rainbows, losing only to leaders Valletta. They handed the wooden spoon to Marsaxlokk, joining Tarxien on the 11-point mark, just one point behind the Spartans.

Hamrun goalkeeper Omar Borg and Mosta striker Gilbert Martin are ruled out as they serve a one-match ban. Mosta welcome back Nikola Bogdanovic who missed the last game while Gaetan Spiteri will be back for the Spartans after missing the last four matches through suspension.

In the first round, Hamrun registered a 1-0 win.

Meanwhile in the second match, Birkirkara will be all out to claim the three points as they take on Marsaxlokk.

After losing to ten-man Sliema last week, the Stripes cannot afford dropping any points in this game. They currently share the fifth place with Qormi, just two points ahead of Balzan.

Birkirkara won just four points from the last five matches but against Marsaxlokk they start as firm favourites considering that the Southseasiders lost five of the last six matches, conceding no less than eleven goals and scoring none.

Both sides will be unable to field their best formation due to the absence of Gareth Sciberras, Joseph Zerafa and Shola Shodiya for Birkirkara, Clive Brincat and Patrick Borg for Marsaxlokk. The latter, however should have Serbian midfielder Nemanja Stoskovic and Luke Agius making their debut. Jorge Santos Silva is set to make his debut for the Stripes after joining the club from Sliema.

In the first round, Birkirkara defeated Marsaxlokk 2-1.