Valletta hope to continue their comeback in the battle for the championship as they take on Birkirkara in one of the two matches on programme at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Three consecutive defeats for the Citizens seemed to had written them off but three wins in their last three outings, coupled with loss of points by Birkirkara and Hibernians, put Valletta back on track. They now lie three points behind the two joint-leaders and a win on Saturday would therefore put them on level points with the two before Hibs face Mosta on Sunday.

Birkirkara, however are eager to bounce back after two draws with Hibernians and Mosta. A win, or even a draw, would rule Valletta out of the race leaving the Stripes and the Paolites in a duel for the title.

Alejandro Mendoza Corujo, Paul Fenech, Rodrigo Pereira and Rowen Muscat will be back for Birkirkara after missing the clash with Mosta but Zach Muscat is suspended. Michael Mifsud returns for the Citizens after missing the last game but Demba Toure is istill recovering from an injury.

The first round clash ended in a 1-1 draw, Valletta won 1-0 in the second round while the third round clash ended in a 2-0 win.

Manwhile in the first match, Tarxien Rainbows face Sliema Wanderers.

The Wanderers hope to bounce back after suffering three consecutive defeats. Tarxien lost three out of the last four matches and seek a win which would put them in fourth place.

Alex Muscat is ruled out for Sliema as he serves a one-match ban.

In the first round, Sliema registered a 3-2 win but Tarxien won 2-1 in the second round. The third round clash ended in a goalless draw.

Photo: Copyright © Paul Zammit Cutajar