Melita, Floriana in desperate clash for points

Melita and Floriana will be all out for the three points on Saturday as they cross swords in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Hibernians Stadium.

The First Division champions are currently second from bottom on four points, five behind ninth-placed Floriana. They lost eight of ten matches played and are coming from two heavy defeats to Sliema Wanderers and Mosta.

Since last week’s defeat to Mosta, the Amateurs have a new coach following the departure of Martin Gregory and the appointment of Spanish coach Patxi Salinas.

Floriana lost four of the last five matches, collecting the only point in a draw with Qormi. Coach Stephen Azzopardi seeks his first win at the club to move away from the danger zone.

The Greens could not field their best formation due to the absence of Valdo Goncalves Alhinho and Kane Farrugia.

Meanwhile in the second match, Hibernians hope to close in on leaders Valletta with a win over Hamrun Spartans.

The Paolites returned to winning ways last week thanks to a narrow win over Floriana. Their first win after losing three of the previous four matches.

Hamrun Spartans are currently eighth on 13 points and are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Sliema Wanderers last week. A win would put them back on track in the challenge for a top-six finish.

Lyubomir Vitanov is ruled out for Hamrun as he serves a one-match ban. For Hibernians, Marcelo Dias is suspended but coach Michael Woods could count on new Brazilian striker Allan Kardeck Dos Santos Pereira.