A month ago, the two teams faced each other in what was an almost decisive match. Despite having a player sent off, Birkirkara managed to take the lead through Shola Shodiya which would have put them five points clear with three games to go. However a stoppage-time penalty by Clayton Failla restored equilibrium and the Paolites stayed just two points behind.
The Stripes received a major setback the following week as they were held in goalless draw by Mosta while Hibs defeated Sliema 3-2. The Paolites therefore joined Birkirkara on top the BOV Premier League table. In their final two matches, Hibernians found no difficulty in beating Mosta 6-0, defeating Valletta 2-1 last week. Birkirkara, on the other hand, registered two narrow wins over Valletta and Tarxien.
Birkirkara and Hibernians met five times this season. In the Euro Cup, Hibernians beat Birkirkara 5-0 but in the four league matches, it was a different story as Birkirkara won twice with a narrow 1-0 score, the other two games ending in draws.
Should the result is still draw at the end of the ninety minutes, extra-time will be played and if necessary, penalty kicks shall be taken to determine the winner.
With tickets for the West Stand Enclosure sold out in a matter of a few minutes or hours, the North and South Stands are also expected to be packed with Birkirkara and Hibernians supporters. The Millennium Stand D will be reserved for neutral supporters.
Ticket booths will be open at the West Stand A for North Stand tickets, the West Stand C for the South Stand and the Millennium Stand D for Millennium Stand D tickets. The gates will open at 16:30.
Birkirkara supporters should enter Ta’ Qali from Mosta and park their vehicles in the West Stand (Enclosure) parking area. Hibernians supporters should enter Ta’ Qali from the Rabat road and park their vehicles in the National Park area.
Photo (1): Copyright © Paul Zammit Cutajar
Photo (2): Copyright © www.stephengatt.com