Hibernians will be aiming for a win on Sunday as they take on Floriana in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme.
Mosta would move closer to securing a place in the Championship Pool with a win over Qormi while Sliema Wanderers hope to keep the pace with the teams on top as they take on Vittoriosa Stars. Valletta start as firm favourites to claim the three points in the game against Rabat Ajax.
Qormi vs Mosta, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After defeating Hibernians and Floriana in their last two outings, Mosta will be all out to claim the three points as they aim to make sure of a place in the Championship Pool. They are currently fifth on 29 points, seven points ahead of seventh placed Balzan. Qormi, on the other hand, are joint-second from bottom and hope for a positive result after losing four out of the last five matches.
Both sides will be unable to field their best formation due to the absence of the suspended Gianmarco Piccioni for Mosta and Owen Bugeja for Floriana. However Qormi could have new signing Luca Cantoro making his debut.
In mid-week, Qormi reached the U*BET FA Trophy quarter-finals after defeating Tarxien Rainbows on penalties while Mosta were eliminated following a 0-3 defeat to Valletta.
In the first round, Qormi beat Mosta 2-1.
Valletta vs Rabat A., kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Valletta should take the three points home as they take on bottom-placed Rabat Ajax in their bid to keep the pace with the leaders. The Citizens defeated Vittoriosa 4-0 and a win over Rabat would put them temporarily three points behind Birkirkara. Rabat, on the other hand, have now gone eleven games without a win, losing 2-6 to Tarxien in their last league game. However in the U*BET FA Trophy, they registered a 5-1 win over Kercem Ajax to reach the quarter-finals.
Aidan Azzopardi is suspended for Rabat but goalkeeper Pavle Velimirovic will be back after missing the last game. Luke Dimech and Jason Vandelannoite are ruled out injured for Valletta.
In the first round, Valletta defeated Rabat 4-1.
Vittoriosa S. vs Sliema W., kick-off 14:00 at National Stadium
Sliema hope to close in on Hibernians as they take on Vittoriosa Stars. The Blues are currently fourth and are coming from a 3-1 win over Hibernians. Vittoriosa, on the other hand, are joint-second from bottom and lost 0-4 to Valletta last week.
Stefano Bianciardi returns for Sliema after serving a one-match ban but Clifford Gatt Baldacchino is ruled out for the same reason. Vittoriosa coach Oliver Spiteri has the full squad at his disposal.
In the first round, Sliema beat Vittoriosa 2-0.
Floriana vs Hibernians, kick-off 16:00 at National Stadium
Hibernians hope to end their disappointing run as they face Floriana. The Paolites lost three of the last four matches and to make it even worse, were eliminated from the U*BET FA Trophy by First Division side Pietà Hotspurs. Floriana also disappointed as they lost the last three league games and were eliminated from the FA Trophy by Naxxar. Chances of securing a top-six finish are almost null.
Hibs coach Branko Nisevic could not count on the suspended Clayton Failla and Bjorn Kristensen and the injured Mario Muscat, Andrew Cohen and Jean Paul Farrugia. Floriana, on the other hand, welcome back Andre Scicluna.
In the first round, Hibs and Floriana shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.