Naxxar test for leaders Hibernians

bov-premier-league-2013-2014Leaders Hibernians hope to extend their unbeaten run at the top of the BOV Premier League table with a win over Naxxar Lions in one of the four matches in progamme on Saturday.

Birkirkara hope to keep the pace as they face Vittoriosa Stars. Sliema Wanderers seek the three points in the clash with Rabat Ajax while Floriana and Qormi hope to collect precious points in a direct clash from the lower part of the table

Birkirkara vs Vittoriosa S., kick-off at 14:00 – Centenary Stadium
Champions Birkirkara seek a fourth successive win in the clash with a Vittoriosa Stars side which is doing much better than expected after winning promotion from Division 1 at the end of last season. The Stars are currently seventh on nine points from ten matches. In their last outing, they earned a point in a draw with Naxxar. Birkirkara, on the other hand, defeated Floriana 3-1.

Gareth Sciberras is still recovering from an injury for Birkirkara while Vittoriosa lack Jean Matthias Vella, Luke Vella Critien, Sheldon Grech, Gilbert Martin and the suspended Michael Camilleri.

Floriana vs Qormi, kick-off at 16:15 – Centenary Stadium
Both Floriana and Qormi will be aiming for the three points in a direct clash between two teams from the lower part of the table. Two points separate the two teams with Qormi lying on the 8-point mark and Floriana on 6 points after having six points deducted. In their last outing, Floriana lost 1-3 to Birkirkara while Qormi drew 0-0 with Rabat Ajax.

Emmanuel Ibok Edet and Gary Roberts return for Floriana after missing the last game. Qormi will be without the injured Jorge Pereira da Silva.

Hibernians vs Naxxar L., kick-off at 14:00 – Victor Tedesco Stadium

Sliema W. vs Rabat A., kick-off at 16:15 – Victor Tedesco Stadium
Sliema will be all out to claim the three points after the shock 3-2 defeat to Mosta last week which left them eight points behind leaders Hibernians. They start as firm favourites against a depleted Rabat side which will be lacking the suspended Shaun Gauci and Clifford Gauci, the injured Joseph Caruana and Ryan Micallef and probably Adam Smeir and goalkeeper Pavle Velimirovic. In their last outing, the Magpies held Qormi in a goalless draw.