Mosta and Floriana cross swords in a direct clash for a place in the Championship Pool in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday at the National Stadium.

Five points separate the two teams and therefore a win for the Blues would practically rule out the Greens’ chances of securing a top-six finish. Mosta are currently sixth on 26 points, one behind Naxxar, four ahead of Balzan and five ahead of Floriana.

Mosta completed an incredible comeback to beat Hibernians 3-2 in their last outing and a win over Floriana is a must in order to move closer to securing a top-six finish as they would move fifth, seven points ahead of Balzan and eight ahead of the Greens with three matches to go for the end of the first phase.

A win for Floriana would, on the other hand, open the race once again as they would move to just two points behind the Blues. They are coming from two consecutive defeats to Birkirkara and Balzan.

Floriana welcome back Clyde Borg and Christian Caruana who were both suspended. Lukas Duriska is suspended for Mosta but Bojan Kaljevic will be back after serving a one-match ban.

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

Meanwhile in the second match, Sliema Wanderers take on Hibernians. Two teams which have disappointed in recent outings.

After a fine start with an impressive unbeaten run, the Paolites lost four out of the last seven matches, starting to lose ground with leaders Birkirkara and second-placed Valletta. They are now twelve points behind the Stripes and six behind the Citizens. Sliema, on the other hand, won just one of the last seven matches and are coming from three consecutive draws with Tarxien, Mosta and Valletta.

The Wanderers could not count on the suspended Stefano Bianciardi. Andrew Cohen is ruled out injured for Hibernians.

The first round clash ended in a 2-2 draw.

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