The derby between Naxxar Lions and Mosta takes centre stage on Saturday as the two rivals face each other for the first time in the BOV Premier League in what promises to be an entertaining clash considering the fact that both sides are doing well so far.
The Naxxar-Mosta derby is one of four matches in programme on Saturday at two different venues – the National Stadium and the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Naxxar L. vs Mosta, kick-off 17:00 at National Stadium
The Premier League campaign has been positive so far for both Mosta and Naxxar as the Blues are currently fifth on nine points and the Lions sixth on seven points. Mosta lost to Valletta and Birkirkara, defeating Vittoriosa, Rabat and Balzan. Naxxar, on the other hand, defeated Qormi and Tarxien, held Floriana, losing to Sliema and Valletta.
For Naxxar, Angus Buhagiar is ruled out through suspension while Terence Scerri is still recovering from an injury. Mosta welcome back Kane Farrugia but the suspended Giancarlo Sammut and the injured Diego Pereira will be missing the derby.
Qormi vs Hibernians, kick-off 19:00 at National Stadium
Hibernians aim at extending their hundred percent record to six wins out of six as they take on Qormi. The Paolites defeated Tarxien, Valletta, Vittoriosa, Rabat and Birkirkara. The defeat of Birkirkara put them three points clear on top the BOV Premier League table. Tommaso Volpi’s Qormi disappointed so far and they lie third from bottom after winning just one of the first five matches. They are coming from two narrow defeats to Valletta and Naxxar in their last two outings.
Leighton Grech will be back for Qormi after recovering from an injury. Hibernians should be in full strength.
Vittoriosa S. vs Rabat A., kick-off 17:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After defeating Qormi in their last outing, Vittoriosa aim for another three points as they face Rabat Ajax. The Magpies disappointed heavily so far, losing the first five matches, suffering fifteen goals and scoring just two. They are seeking their first points but they need to improve considerably after disappointing in recent outings.
Joseph Caruana and Malcolm Licari are ruled out injured for Rabat. Vittoriosa, on the other hand, should have new signings Matthew Camilleri and Clive Brincat in squad. Luke Vella Critien, Sheldon Grech and Roberto Brincat are still recovering from injuries.
Tarxien R. vs Balzan, kick-off 19:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Tarxien and Balzan both aim for the three points in the other clash as both claimed just four points from the first five matches. Balzan are coming from three consecutive defeats after losing to Birkirkara, Sliema and Mosta. Tarxien, on the other hand, earned a point in a 3-3 draw with Sliema after suffering defeats to Qormi and Naxxar.
Rodrigo Pereira and Fabio Vignaroli return for Balzan after missing the last game but Firas Aboulezz is suspended. Jorge Santos Silva is ruled out for Tarxien as he serves a suspension.