Champions Valletta start as firm favourites to secure a place in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy as they take on Qormi in the first semi-final on Sunday, kick-off at 18:00.

The Citizens won the BOV Premier League title, winning twenty five out of the thirty two matches, suffering just two defats. The champions lost 1-2 to Hibernians in their last outing but were coming from a fine run of seven consecutive wins. 

In the quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy, they defeated Mosta 3-1. The Citizens had earlier defeated First Division St. Patrick 2-0 and Sliema Wanderers 5-2. 

On the other hand, Qormi won four out of the last five matches to end on top of the Relegation Pool. In their last outing they suffered a 1-4 defeat to Mosta but they lacked no less than six regular players. On the road to the semi-final of the FA Trophy, they defeated Second Division champions Gzira United 1-0, Mellieha from Division Two 5-0 and First Division side Pieta Hotspurs 1-0 after extra-time. 

For Valletta, Burkina Faso international defender Saidou Mady Panadetiguiri is ruled out as he serves a one-match ban. Qormi coach Stephen Azzopardi has the full squad at his disposal.

The two teams met twice this season with Valletta winning the two clashes 3-1 and 4-1.

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