After suffering two defeats in their last two outings, Hibernians hope to bounce back with a win over Mosta in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday at the Hibs Stadium.

The Paolites lost 0-1 to Birkirkara and 0-2 to Sliema Wanderers. The latter defeat cost them the possibility of taking the top spot following Valletta’s 2-3 defeat to Tarxien. Hibs are now third on 26 points, two behind Birkirkara and one behind Valletta.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg / MFA

They start as firm favourites to claim the three points considering that Mosta are coming from four consecutive defeats and lost seven of the last eight matches. On Wednesday, they lost 7-1 to Birkirkara.

Both sides will be unable to field their best formation due to the absence of Kurt Magro and Ryan Grech for Mosta, Marcelo Dias and Jackson di Lima Siqueira for Hibernians as they all serve a one-match ban.

Hibernians have defeated Mosta three times this season – 3-2 and 1-0 in the Premier League first phase and 2-1 in the U*BET FA Trophy.

Meanwhile in the second match, Hamrun Spartans take on Floriana.

The Spartans chase the three points as they aim to climb out of the danger zone as they are currently third from bottom, two points ahead of Rabat Ajax and three ahead of Melita. However they lost six of the last seven matches, losing 0-2 to Qormi on Tuesday.

Floriana, on the other hand, moved closer to safety as they came from behind to beat Rabat Ajax 2-1. A win which put them ten points ahead of the Magpies.

Steven Pisani is ruled out through suspension for the Greens. Adrian Borg is suspended for Hamrun.

The first round clash ended in a 1-1 draw but Floriana registered a 2-0 win in the second round.