U*BET FA Trophy: Hibs, Floriana cross swords once again

Hibernians and Floriana face each other for the second time in a week as they seek a place in the semi-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. The knock-out competition in fact takes centre stage this weekend with two quarter-finals at the National Stadium on Saturday and another two on Sunday at the Hibernians Stadium.

Following a 1-1 draw in the first round of the Premier League, last week the Paolites and the Greens shared the spoils in a goalless draw. Hibs are currently second on 48 points, six behind leaders Valletta and seven ahead of third-placed Floriana.

The Paolites reached the quarter-finals after beating Pembroke Athleta 5-3 and Rabat Ajax 5-0. On the other hand, Floriana defeated Luqa St. Andrew’s 6-1 and Balzan Youths 1-0.

Dutch goalkeeper Patrick Jansen is expected to continue guarding the posts after making his debut last week but Onome Sodje is not expected to recover in time. Hibernians should be in full strength.

Meanwhile in the first match, First Division side Pieta Hotspurs hope to extend their giant-killing act as they take on Premier League side Qormi.

The Hotspurs defeated Third Division side Santa Lucia in the second round but managed to eliminate two Premier League clubs Tarxien Rainbows and Marsaxlokk in the third and fourth rounds.

Pietà suffered two defeats in their last two outings in Division 1 as they lost 0-1 to Rabat Ajax and 0-3 to Melita with the latter two teams joining them on top of the table.

Qormi, on the other hand, still stand a chance of securing a place in the Championship Pool as they lie in seventh place in the Premier League although they lost four out of the last five matches. They reached the quarter-finals after beating two teams from Division 2, Gzira United and Mellieha.

Abubakar Bello-Osagie is ruled out for Qormi as he is recovering from an injury.

In these matches, extra-time will be played if necessary and if the result is still draw, penalty-kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Game.