Birkirkara, Valletta target winning start to Championship Pool commitments

valletta-sliema131006Leaders Birkirkara and second-placed Valletta hope to start their Championship Pool commitments with a win as they take on Balzan and Sliema Wanderers respectively in the two matches in programme at the National Stadium on Sunday.

In the first game, the Stripes hope to extend the lead with a win over Balzan should Valletta drop any points from the clash with Sliema. Birkirkara are coming from a disappointing 1-3 defeat to Qormi in the quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy and are therefore eager to bounce back.

Jesmond Zerafa’s side lost 0-1 to Valletta in their last league outing but they won the previous four games which effectively ensured they play in the Championship Pool.

Birkirkara defeated Balzan 2-1 twice this season.

In the second match, Valletta aim at extend their positive run with a win over Sliema which would enable them to stay one point behind the leaders should they beat Balzan. They are coming from four consecutive wins in their last four league outings.

Sliema Wanderers also aim for a positive result as Hibernians’ 1-2 defeat to Mosta left the Wanderers with the possibility of moving third in case of a win. The Wanderers are unbeaten in eight matches and like Valletta, are coming from four successive wins.

Valletta beat Sliema 3-0 in the first round but the second round clash ended in a goalless draw.

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