Valletta target second place

Valletta could move into second place on Sunday if they beat Mosta in one of the two matchs in programme at the National Stadium.

The Citizens are coming from three successive wins and now lie just two points behind Birkirkara and a fourth win on Sunday would enable them to leapfrog the Stripes and move second, twelve points behind leaders Hibernians. An extra incentive for victory is revenge since Mosta had won the first round clash 1-0.

Meanwhile after suffering five consecutive defeats, Mosta, led by new coach Peter Smith, returned to winning ways two weeks ago as they beat Tarxien Rainbows 2-1. Against Valletta, they also seek a positive result which would either put them on level points with Balzan in fourth place or with the Citizens in third place.

Ryan Grech is suspended for Mosta as he is still serving a suspension while Valletta are expected to be in full strength.

In the first match, Naxxar Lions take on Qormi.

Following Pietà’s win over Birkirkara, Naxxar are once again second from bottom but they hope to stay on track after winning their last two matches against Pietà and Sliema. A win which would put them in ninth place, ahead of Tarxien and Pietà.

Qormi, however, have now gone five matches without defeat after beating Mosta, Floriana and Tarxien and being held in draws by Zebbug and Pietà. A win over Naxxar would possibly put them in fourth place.

Zoran Levnajic returns for Josef Mansueto’s side after serving a one-match ban.

In the first round, Qormi defeated Naxxar 1-0.