Sliema, Valletta in battle for third place

sliema-valletta130119Sliema Wanderers take on Valletta in a clash between two teams lying in third place in the BOV Premier League. Both lie on the 30-point mark, five behind Hibernians and seven behind leaders Birkirkara.

The Citizens returned to winning ways last week with an emphatic win over Mosta to bring to an end a disappointing run of three consecutive defeats. Sliema, on the other hand, lost narrowly to Birkirkara following a fine run of eight matches without defeat.

The Blues could not count on the suspended Mark Scerri and Ian Zammit. Valletta have no suspended players but Jason Vandelannoite and Jonathan Caruana will be back after serving a one-match ban.

The first and third round clashes ended in draws – 1-1 and 0-0 – with Valletta winning 2-0 in the second round.

Meanwhile in the first match, Melita take on Qormi.

A run of eleven matches without a win leaves Melita at the bottom of the table with ten points, five behind Hamrun Spartans and six behind Rabat Ajax and only a win could put them back on track in the battle against relegation. They lost 0-2 to Floriana last week.

Qormi, on the other hand, have already secured their Premier League status and are coming from a fine 4-0 win over Rabat.

Melita’s Manuel Ramon Sierra Camacho and Qormi’s Luke Sciberras will be back after serving a suspension.

Melita defeated Qormi 3-2 in the first round but Qormi won the other two clashes 2-1 and 2-0.

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