Hibernians hope to return to winning ways

Hibernians will be hoping to return to winning ways as they take on Balzan Youths in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Hibernians Stadium on Sunday.

The Paolites lost narrowly to Birkirkara in their last outing – their first defeat in ten matches. A win would put them three points behind leaders Valletta and nine ahead of Birkirkara.

Balzan lost two of the three Championship Pool matches played so far but hope for a positive result after being the first team to beat Hibernians this season. In fact after a 3-1 win for the Paolites in the first round, Balzan defeated Hibs 3-2 in the second.

Clifton Ciantar, Dylan Grima and Miguel Ciantar return for Balzan after serving a one-match ban but Jonathan Francica and Nikola Tasic are ruled out through suspension. Goalkeeper Mario Muscat and defender Aaron Xuereb are ruled out by suspension but Edison Luis dos Santos is back after serving a one-match ban.

Meanwhile in the second match, Marsaxlokk and Mosta will be all out to claim the three points as they cross swords in a clash between the two bottom teams in the Relegation Pool.

Mosta lost four out of the last six matches and collected just one point in the Relegation Pool in a draw. They lost to Mqabba and Tarxien in their last two outings.

After starting their Relegation Pool commitments with a win over Qormi, the Southseasiders suffered heavy defeats to Hamrun Spartans and Mqabba in their last two outings. Lying at the bottom of the table, four points behind Mosta, Marsaxlokk hope to close in on the Blues in order to restore the challenge to avoid relegation.

For Mosta, Gilbert Martin will be back after serving a one-match ban. Marsaxlokk, on the other hand, are expected to be in full strength.

Mosta are yet to beat Marsaxlokk this season after a 5-2 win for the Southseasiders in the first round and a goalless draw in the second.

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