Valletta will be hoping to maintain the pressure on leaders Birkirkara with a win over Sliema Wanderers in one of the two matches in programme on Sunday at the National Stadium.

Thanks to the goalless draw with Birkirkara, the Citizens extended their positive run to eleven matches without defeat. Sliema, who are currently fourth, on the other hand, won just one of the last five matches, losing two of the last three games.

Valletta midfielder Edmond Agius and Sliema striker Stanley Ohawuchi are ruled out through suspension but the Wanderers welcome back Alex Muscat and Admir Vladavic.

In the first round, Valletta won 3-0 but the other two clashes ended in draws.

Meanwhile in the first match, Hibernians hope to revenge the two defeats to Mosta this season in order to stay third with a comfortable lead.

The Paolites defeated Mosta 2-0 in the first round but in the second round, the Blues came from behind to beat the Paolites 3-2, also beating them 2-1 in the third round.

Hibs defeated Balzan, Birkirkara and Sliema in their last three outings to stress their intentions of securing third place. Mosta, on the other hand, are currently joint-fourth and after holding Valletta and Sliema in draws, defeated Balzan 4-2 last week.

Scott Chircop joined Jurgen Borg on the casualty list for Hibernians. Mosta welcome back Tyrone Farrugia, Ryan Grech and Gianmarco Piccioni.

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