Hibernians will be all out for the three points on Sunday as they host neighbours Tarxien Rainbows in one of the two matches in programme at the Hibernians Stadium.

The Paolites moved on top the BOV Premier League table after winning a protest against the result of the clash with Floriana over the ineligibility of Harry Agombar. The three points put them one point ahead of Valletta and four ahead of Birkirkara.

Before the defeat to Floriana, Hibs had defeated Sliema, Hamrun and Balzan. Should they beat Tarxien, they would make sure of starting the second phase on top with 24 points. In case of a draw, they would start on 23 and on 22 should they lose to the Rainbows.

Tarxien will be eager to upset their neigbours. They defeated Melita and Rabat in their last two outings. A draw with Hibernians would make no difference as they would still start the Championship Pool on 19 points. On the other hand, a win would put them on the 20-point mark.

Hibernians could not field their best formation due to the absence of Clayton Failla and Zoran Levnajic while Rodolfo Soares is in doubt. Tarxien welcome back Andrezinho.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Meanwhile in the first match, Rabat Ajax take on Mosta.

The Magpies are anchored at the bottom of the table as they are yet to collect a first win after 21 matches. They are therefore eager to get a positive result against Mosta. With a draw, they would start the Relegation Pool on five points while a win would put them on the 6-point mark. In their last outing, they lost 0-1 to Tarxien.

Mosta, on the other hand, returned to winning ways last week with a 3-1 win over Melita after suffering three defeats in the previous three matches. With a win they would start the Championship Pool on 19 points, on 18 points with a draw and on 17 should they lose to Rabat.

Rabat hope to recover Malcolm Licari in time but Chris Schembri, Adam Smeir and Ryan Micallef are still ruled out injured. Mosta will be without the suspended Carlos Campagnoli and Adrian Farrugia.

In the first round, Mosta defeated Rabat 2-0.

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