Birkirkara and Hibernians will be all out to claim the three points on Wednesday in their bid to leapfrog leaders Valletta following the latter’s defeat to Tarxien Rainbows on Tuesday.

In the first match, Birkirkara are firm favourites for victory as they take on Mosta.

The Stripes claimed three important points in a narrow win over Hibernians in their last outing and a win over Mosta – whom they had defeated 7-1 in the second round – would put them one point ahead of Valletta. Birkirkara won the first round clash 1-0.

Mosta, on the other hand, lost six of the last seven matches, losing 0-3 to Tarxien Rainbows in their last game. Ferdinando Apap is ruled out for the Blues as they serve a one-match ban.

Meanwhile in the second match, Hibernians hope to return to winning ways as they face Sliema Wanderers.

The Paolites lie one point behind Valletta and therefore a win over the Wanderers would put them two points ahead of the Citizens. However their task is no easy one considering that Sliema won three of the last four matches, holding Valletta in a draw in their last game.

The Wanderers are currently fifth on 23 points, three behind Hibernians.

Ryan Camilleri is ruled out through suspension for Hibernians.

In the first round, Sliema defeated Hibernians 4-0 but the second round clash ended in a 2-1 win for the Paolites.

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