Following a 3-2 defeat to Hibernians last week, Valletta will be all out to bounce back with a win as they take on Floriana in this weekend’s big match from the BOV Premier League at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 20:30.
The Citizens were doing quite well against the Paolites but the dismissal of Denni ruined the day for Valletta who ended up the game empty-handed.
On the other hand, after being held in a draw by Naxxar, Floriana lost 1-2 to Tarxien last week but then received another setback after having another point deducted by the MFA Board of Control and Discipline and therefore are now anchored at the bottom of the table with minus six points.
Denni Rocha dos Santos and Edmond Agius are ruled out through suspension for Valletta while Jonathan Caruana is still recovering from an injury. Foreigners Romulo Antoneli and Austin Obaje are yet to make their debut. Floriana, on the other hand, should be in full strength.
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Sliema Wanderers vs Naxxar Lions, kick-off 18:30 at National Stadium
Sliema Wanderers hope to return to winning ways after holding champions Birkirkara in a 1-1 draw last week. The Blues registered an impressive 4-0 win over Qormi in their first outing and did quite well in the last game against the Stripes. Newly-promoted Naxxar, on the other hand, are still unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with Floriana and a 2-1 win over Qormi. The Lions now seek a third consecutive positive result.
Naxxar will be lacking the suspended Thiago Lopes de Souza but hope to have Malta Under-21 international Louis Cutajar making his debut. New signing Ousseni Zongo should start for the Lions. The Wanderers, on the other hand, should be in full strength.
Vittoriosa S. vs Hibernians, kick-off 18:30 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Hibernians seek a third consecutive win as they take on Vittoriosa Stars. The Paolites beat Tarxien Rainbows 1-0 and Valletta 3-2 and another win on Saturday would ensure they maintain sole leadership in the BOV Premier League.
Vittoriosa, on the other hand, hope to upset the Paolites after a 2-2 draw with Balzan and a 0-2 defeat to Mosta in their first two outings. Coach Oliver Spiteri could not field his best formation as Sheldon Grech and Roberto Brincat are still recovering from injuries.
Birkirkara vs Balzan, kick-off 20:45 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Birkirkara aim at returning to winning ways as they take on Balzan. The Stripes collected four points from the first two matches after defeating Rabat Ajax 2-1 and a 1-1 draw with Sliema Wanderers. Balzan, on the other hand, defeated Rabat 2-0 last week after a 2-2 draw with Vittoriosa in their first outing.
Birkirkara welcome back Edward Herrera after serving a one-match ban while Daniel Zerafa could make his debut after joining the club from Hamrun Spartans. For Balzan, Aaron Agius is ruled out through suspension.