Hamrun Spartans hope to move another step towards securing their Premier League status as they take on wooden-spoonists Marsaxlokk in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Friday.

The Southseasiders have already been relegated to Division 1 following last week’s heavy defeat to Tarxien Rainbows. Hamrun, on the other hand, are still unbeaten in the Relegation Pool with three wins and three draws.

Marsaxlokk could only hope to limit the damages after suffering two heavy defeat to the Spartans in the last two rounds. In fact after losing 6-2 to the Spartans in the second round, last month they lost 1-6 in a third round clash.

For Marsaxlokk, Jonathan Xerri will be back after serving a one-match ban. The Spartans hope to welcome back Dene Shields who missed the last two games as he was recovering from an injury. Matthew Gauci returns after serving a one-match ban. Gianluca Calabretta is ruled out through suspension.

Marsaxlokk defeated Hamrun 5-3 but Hamrun registered two comfortable 6-2 and 6-1 wins in the second and third round

Meanwhile in the second match, Sliema Wanderers take on Balzan Youths in a clash between two teams who are yet to register a first win in the Championship Pool.

The Wanderers lost four matches, earning their only points in two draws. They suffered two defeats to Floriana and Hibernians with an identical 1-3 score.

Balzan collected their only point in the Relegation Pool in a 3-3 draw with Sliema last month. They are coming from four successive defeats, losing narrowly to leaders Valletta last week.

For Balzan, Pedro dos Santos Calcado is still in doubt for the Youths after skipping the last two games. Josef Mifsud will be back for Sliema after missing the last game through suspension. Rumen Galabov is in doubt after leaving the pitch injured last week just a few minutes after being included as a substitute.

Score Prediction: 2-1 1-0.