The U*BET FA Trophy takes centre-stage this weekend as the twelve Premier League clubs, eight from Division 1, seven from Division 2, two from Division 3 and two Gozitan teams battle for a place in the fourth round of the competition.

The first four matches will be played on Friday while there are six scheduled matches on both Saturday and Sunday.

At the Centenary Stadium on Friday, BOV Third Division joint-leaders Marsaskala face Second Division side St. Venera Lightnings – who are currently second from bottom – in the first match. Marsaskala defeated Gozitans Victoria Hotspurs 3-0 in the first round and Third Division side Luqa St. Andrews 3-1 in the second. St. Venera, on the other hand, beat Xaghra United 3-2 in the second round.

In the second match, BOV First Division leaders Lija Athletic take on Second Division side Gharghur who lie in the twelfth place. Lija eliminated Second Division side Siggiewi 3-1 while Gharghur beat Third Division side Mtarfa 4-1.

In the first match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Gudja United who are currently joint-sixth in Division 1 take on BOV Third Division joint-leaders Senglea Athletic. Gudja beat Third Division side Ta’ Xbiex while Senglea defeated Gozitans St. Lawrence Spurs 2-0 and Kercem Ajax on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

On the other hand, Premier League side Balzan face First Division side Naxxar Lions. Balzan are currently seventh in the Premier League but are coming from an impressive run of eight matches without defeat. Naxxar are currently third in Division 1 and reached this stage after beating another First Division team Dingli Swallows 4-1.

In these matches, extra-time will be played if necessary and if at the end of extra-time, the result is still draw, penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Games.

Meanwhile the rest of the fixtures for the third round are as follows:
Saturday 1 December
Centenary Stadium
14:00 Msida SJ vs St. Andrews
16:00 Qormi vs Pembroke A.
Hibernians Stadium
14:00 Birkirkara vs Tarxien R.
16:00 Hibernians vs Mosta
Victor Tedesco Stadium
14:00 Sliema W. vs Zebbug R.
16:00 Melita vs Floriana

Sunday 2 December
Centenary Stadium
14:00 Gzira U. vs SK Victoria W.
16:00 Zurrieq vs Mqabba
National Stadium
14:00 Pietà H. vs Rabat A.
16:00 Hamrun S. vs Valletta
Sirens Stadium
14:00 St. Patrick vs Sannat L.
16:00 Zejtun C. vs Nadur Y.