Tricky tests for Valletta, Hibernians

Leaders Valletta are in for a tricky test as they take on Birkirkara in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The Citizens maintained their hundred per cent record last Sunday as they defeated Hibernians 1-0 and now seek the seventh win in as many matches.

Birkirkara bounced back from the defeat to Sliema Wanderers the previous week with a 4-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows.

Ryan Fenech is ruled out for Valletta but Ricardo Filho may be back after missing the last couple of matches. Birkirkara will be lacking Ryan Scicluna.

The two teams met in the Euro Cup in June with the Citizens registering a comfortable 5-0 win.

Meanwhile in the first match, Sliema Wanderers take on Hibernians.

The Blues claimed ten points from six matches and are coming from two consecutive wins – an impressive 3-1 win over Birkirkara and a 2-0 win over Rabat Ajax. Hibernians saw their perfect record being shattered by Valletta in their last outing as they lost 0-1 and are now keen to claim the three points in order to bounce back.

Mario Muscat and Marcelo Dias will be back but Jean Paul Farrugia and Clayton Failla are ruled out for the Paolites. Sliema are expected to be in full strength.