Hibernians hope to return to winning ways

hibs-balzan130127After dropping four points in two 2-2 draws, leaders Hibernians will be aiming at returning to winning ways as they take on Balzan in one of the four matches in programme on Saturday.

Should Hibs fail, Valletta will be ready to pounce on the top spot as they seek the three points in the clash with Tarxien. Mosta hope to end their disappointing run as they face Sliema while Qormi and Rabat seek maximum points in a clash between two teams from the lower part of the table.

Qormi vs Rabat A., kick-off 14:00 – Centenary Stadium
After defeating Mosta 2-1 in their last outing, Qormi hope to continue where they had left with a win over bottom-placed Rabat Ajax. A win which could possibly put them in seventh place. Rabat will however be determined to avoid the ninth defeat in ten matches after losing 1-4 to Valletta last week.

Joseph Caruana and Ryan Micallef are ruled out injured for Rabat. Jorginho, on the other hand, is unavailable for Qormi.

Tarxien R. vs Valletta, kick-off 16:15 – Centenary Stadium
Valletta target a fourth win on the trot after defeating Sliema, Vittoriosa and Rabat in their last three outings. Lying two points behind Hibernians, the Citizens could at least share the top spot with Hibernians, should these fail to beat Balzan, with a win over the Rainbows. Tarxien, on the other hand, have gone three matches without a win after a draw with Vittoriosa and defeats to Rabat and Birkirkara.

Tarxien coach Clive Mizzi could not count once again on Carlo Mamo. Ian Azzopardi, Dyson Falzon anad Hamza Barry are all recovering from injuries for Valletta.

Hibernians vs Balzan, kick-off 14:00 – Victor Tedesco Stadium
Leaders Hibernians will be all out for the three points after dropping four points in draws with Sliema and Floriana. Against Balzan, they cannot afford any other result, now that Valletta lie just two points behind them. Balzan, who lost to 0-3 to Naxxar Lions last week hope to make life difficult for the Paolites, aiming for a positive result.

Balzan’s biggest concern is the absence of Spanish goalkeeper Dani Miguelez who is injured and second goalkeeper Michael Falzon who is suspended. Young Jacob Cipriott is therefore set to replace them in goal as the registration of goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri who played for them last season and who had joined Vittoriosa a few weeks ago was not accepted. Apart from Miguelez and Falzon, Justin Grioli is suspended while Rodrigo Pereira and Firas Aboulezz are injured. Ryan Camilleri is in doubt for Hibernians.

Mosta vs Sliema W., kick-off 16:15 – Victor Tedesco Stadium
Mosta hope to end their disappointing run consisting of three defeats to Hibernians, Floriana and Qormi as they take on a Sliema Wanderers side which seeks another win in their bid to stay close to the top spot. In their last outing, the Wanderers defeated Vittoriosa 2-0.

Mark Scerri returns after missing the last game. Mosta coach Danilo Doncic could not count on the injured Ryan Grech and Diego Pereira.