Birkirkara will be all out to inflict a first defeat on Mosta as the two teams cross swords in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium.

After winning their first three matches, the Stripes suffered an unexpected 3-2 defeat to Balzan but bounced back with a 2-0 win over Qormi. Mosta, on the other hand, dropped just two points in a draw with rivals Naxxar, winning the other four matches. Therefore they lie one point ahead of Birkirkara and a positive result from Sunday’s game would ensure that they stay in second place.

Mexican goalkeeper Marcos Bernal is once again expected to start in goal for Mosta following a fine performance in the 1-0 win over Balzan as Omar Borg is still recovering from an injury. For Birkirkara, Gareth Sciberras is ruled out injured but Edmond Agius may be named in the starting line-up after starting the last game on the bench.

Meanwhile after claiming just three points from three draws out of the first five matches, Sliema Wanderers will be aiming for a first win as they take on Pietà Hotspurs.

The Wanderers are coming from a heavy 0-5 defeat to Valletta and are in a desperate need of a win as they lie fifteen points behind leaders Valletta. Like Sliema, Pietà are also chasing their first win, having collected just one point in a draw with Tarxien, losing the other four matches.

Malcolm Licari is still recovering from an injury for the Hotspurs while Alex Muscat is still unavailable for the Wanderers.