Valletta hope to move four points clear on top the BOV Premier League table as they take on Balzan in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday.

The Citizens lead the way one point ahead of Hibernians and two ahead of Birkirkara and therefore a win over Balzan would put them four points clear. Since the beginning of the year, they claimed maximum points in four wins over Hibernians, Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans.

Balzan are now resigned to playing in the Relegation Pool and their main objective is now to collect as many points as possible in order to secure their Premier League status.

A striker from Ivory Coast – Elie Moise Akui N’Dekre – is set to make his debut for Balzan but Pedro dos Santos Calcado is ruled out injured and Elton Alexandre da Silva is in doubt. The injured Jonathan Francica and the suspended Yessous Camilleri and Matthew Mendy are also unavailable for Balzan. Valletta, on the other hand, lack Steve Borg, Roderick Briffa and Denni Rocha dos Santos but Abubakar Bello-Osagie is set to make his debut after joining the club from Qormi.

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

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Meanwhile in the second match, Tarxien Rainbows take on Rabat Ajax.

After securing a place in the Championship Pool, Tarxien hope to collect more precious points from this game. They are coming from a 3-0 win over Melita.

Rabat are still seeking their first win after twenty matches but are coming from two consecutive 1-1 draws with Balzan and Floriana.

Malcolm Licari is in doubt for the Magpies after leaving the pitch injured in the last game. Andrezinho is ruled out through suspension for Tarxien.

In the first round, Tarxien beat Rabat 3-1.