Tarxien Rainbows take on Mosta in an almost decisive clash against relegation in one of the two BOV Premier League clashes which will be played on Friday at the Hibernians Stadium.

Tarxien and Mosta are joint-third in the Relegation Pool with 21 points, three ahead of Mqabba. Therefore a win for either side would put them three points clear with two games to go for the end of the season.

After collecting six points from the previous two matches, Tarxien lost 1-2 to Qormi in their last outing. Mosta collected eight points from the last four games, two wins and two draws. Last week, they lost a comfortable two-goal lead in the game against Mqabba to drop two important points which could have put them closer to safety.

Kurt Magro is ruled out for Mosta until the end of the season after suffering an injury in the last game. Tarxien coach Patrick Curmi could not field his best formation due to the absence of the suspended Everton Antonio Pereira and Justin Grioli.

Despite losing twice to Tarxien this season, Mosta start as favourites to claim the three points to move closer to retaining their Premier League status. In fact the first two clashes ended in 1-0 and 2-0 wins for Tarxien. Mosta won the second round clash 2-0.

Meanwhile Balzan Youths take on Floriana in a game from the Championship Pool.

Floriana suffered a narrow defeat to Hibernians and are keen to bounce back with a win in order to make sure of staying in third place despite losing four out of the last seven matches. On the other hand, Balzan earned a point in a draw with Sliema last week – their first point in over a month after suffering four consecutive defeats. They are yet to register a win in the Championship Pool and have no particular objectives to play for.

Lydon Micallef and Pedro dos Santos Calcado are suspended while Clifton Ciantar, Roderick Farrugia and Yessous Camilleri could be back after missing the last game. For Floriana, Pablo Doffo and Clyde Borg will be back after serving a one-match. Joseph Borg could also make it to the starting line-up after missing the last two games.

Balzan and Floriana met four times. Floriana won the first round and third round clashes with an identical 3-1 wins but the second round clash ended in a 2-2 draw. The Greens have also defeated Balzan 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

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