BOV Premier League resumes this weekend

The BOV Premier League resumes this weekend following a break due to the third round of the U*BET FA Trophy. Two matches are in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium as Melita face Hibernians and Tarxien Rainbows take on Hamrun Spartans.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg / MFA

In the first match, Hibs would take sole leadership should they beat Melita.

The Paolites are currently third, two points behind leaders Birkirkara and one behind Valletta and are therefore keen to return to winning ways after losing 0-1 to Qormi in their last league outing. They are coming from a narrow win over Mosta last week which put them in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

Melita remain second from bottom in the table and will aim once again for a positive result after collecting a point in a draw with Rabat two weeks ago. They were eliminated from the U*BET FA Trophy after a 0-2 loss to Floriana.

For the Amateurs, Karl Vella Petroni is suspended. Adrian Pulis returns for Hibs after serving a one-match ban but Jackson Lima is still in doubt as he recovers from an injury.

In the first round, Hibs defeated Melita 3-1.

Meanwhile in the second match, Tarxien Rainbows seek another three points in their bid to secure a top-six finish as they take on Hamrun Spartans.

The Rainbows lost just one of the last seven league matches, defeating Sliema 2-1 in their last league outing. A win which put them in the fifth place, one point ahead of the Blues. However they were eliminated from the FA Trophy after losing 0-1 to leaders Birkirkara.

Hamrun, on the other hand, are third from bottom after suffering four consecutive defeats. They were also eliminated from the FA Trophy after losing 1-3 to Valletta.

The Spartans welcome back Gianluca Calabretta who missed the game against Floriana. Luiz Romulo de Castro returns for Tarxien after serving a one-match ban.

In the first round, Hamrun and Tarxien shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.