Following a shock 2-1 win over champions Valletta, Melita will be aiming at another positive result as they take on neighbours Sliema Wanderers in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday.

The win over Valletta put the Amateurs on the nine-point mark, four points behind Hamrun Spartans and four ahead of Rabat Ajax. It was also the third positive result in five matches for Patxi Salinas’s side.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg / MFA

Sliema are currently fifth on 26 points and seek a third consecutive win after defeating Mosta 2-0 and Qormi 3-1 in their last two outings. A win would put the Blues on level points with Valletta and Birkirkara on 29 points.

Sliema goalkeeper Henry Bonello is ruled out injured. Melita, on theother hand could not count on the suspended Nigel Rizzo and Michael Valenzia but Matthew Borg will be back after serving a one-match ban.

In the first round, Sliema beat Melita 4-0.

Meanwhile in the second match, Valletta will be all out for the three points as they take on wooden-spoonists Rabat Ajax.

The Citizens lost two of the last three matches and won just two of the last nine matches. Beating Rabat is a must especially since leaders Hibernians face Birkirkara in this weekend’s big match.

Rabat lost heavily to Hibernians in their last outing and are desperate for points as they are yet to register a first win. Apart from the several injured players, Rabat coach Silvio Vella could not count on the suspended Ivan Carapic.

Roderick Briffa returns for Valletta after serving a one-match ban but Steve Borg is ruled out injured while Jonathan Caruana, Ricardo Filho and William Barbosa are all doubtful.

In the first round, Rabat held Valletta in a 1-1 draw.