Valletta will be all out for the three points on Friday as they take on bottom-placed Rabat Ajax in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The Citizens defeated rivals Floriana 2-0 last week to move six points ahead of Birkirkara and Hibernians after the Stripes lost to Hamrun and the Paolites were held in a draw by Tarxien and considering that the two teams face each other this weekend.
Rabat, on the other hand, are the only team still seeking their first win, claiming their only two points in draws with Melita and Hamrun.
The Magpies will be without three strikers Adam Smeir, Ryan Micallef and Justin Felice. Ian Azzopardi and Edmond Agius are ruled out for Valletta.
Meanwhile in the first match, Sliema Wanderers take on Melita.
The Blues are currently fifth on thirteen points and are coming from a 0-1 defeat to Balzan last week. A win would put them temporarily in second place.
Melita, on the other hand, registered their first win last week as they beat Qormi 3-2. A win in the derby would put them on level points with the same Qormi.
Sliema midfielder Matias Muchardi is ruled out through suspension.