Hibernians take on Valletta in big match

valletta-hibs130330Hibernians take on Valletta on Wednesday, hoping for the three points if they aim at re-joining Birkirkara on top of the BOV Premier League table after the Stripes beat Sliema 3-1 on Tuesday.

Naxxar Lions face Qormi, Tarxien Rainbows meet Floriana while bottom-placed Rabat Ajax take on Balzan.

Naxxar Lions vs Qormi, kick-off 18:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After beating Tarxien 3-0, Qormi aim for another positive result in one of the direct clashes for a top-six finish. The three points put Qormi back on track as they now lie just one point behind Tarxien, Naxxar and Floriana. Naxxar collected just two points from the last four matches but during the weekend, earned an important point in a 2-2 draw with Sliema Wanderers.

Duncan Pisani and Giuseppe Bellucci return for Qormi after serving a one-match ban. Pablo Doffo is ruled out for Naxxar as he is suspended.

In the first round, Naxxar beat Qormi 2-1.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Floriana, kick-off 20:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Tarxien and Floriana also hope to return to winning ways after losing to Qormi and Valletta respectively. The Rainbows won just one of the last seven matches. Floriana, on the other hand, defeated Qormi and Naxxar before the defeat in the derby on Sunday.

Fernando Lopes Alcantara and Luca Martinelli return for the Rainbows but Nicky Vella, Miguel Ciantar and Josef Mifsud are ruled out as they serve a one-match ban.

In the first round, Tarxien defeated Floriana 2-1.

Rabat Ajax vs Balzan, kick-off 18:00 at National Stadium
After losing their last three matches, Rabat Ajax hope for a positive result as they take on Balzan. The Magpies are currently anchored at the bottom of the table with four points from thirteen matches. Balzan lost narrowly to Birkirkara and are therefore eager to bounce back with a win in order to resume the battle for a place in the Championship Pool.

Rabat welcome back Ryan Micallef but Pavle Velimirovic and Adam Smeir are recovering from injuries. Balzan could not count on the suspended Luke Sciberras and the injured Dani Miguelez, Firas Aboulezz and Mark Spiteri.

In the first round, Balzan beat Rabat 2-0.

Valletta vs Hibernians, kick-off 20:00 at National Stadium
After beating them 3-2 in the first round, Hibernians hope to take the the three points once again in their bid to regain the top spot. A draw, on the other hand, would leave them in second place, two points behind the Stripes. Valletta, on the other hand, aim for the seventh win in eight matches in order to leapfrog the Paolites and move second, one point behind Birkirkara and two ahead of Hibs.

No players are suspended but Valletta could not count on the injured Ian Azzopardi, Dyson Falzon and Hamza Barry.

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