Hibernians hope to extend unbeaten run

Leaders Hibernians aim at extending their unbeaten run to thirteen matches at they take on Qormi in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday.

Valletta hope to keep the pace with the Paolites as they face Tarxien Rainbows, Mosta take on Pietà Hotspurs while Balzan meet Naxxar Lions in the other matches.

Mosta vs Pietà Hotspurs, kick-off 14:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Mosta will be aiming for a positive result on Saturday after losing six of the last seven matches, including last week’s 0-5 defeat to Valletta. But their task will be no easy one as the Hotspurs are coming from a fine 4-3 win over Birkirkara last week and another win on Saturday would put them just one point behind the Blues.

Cain Attard is ruled out for Pietà as he serves a one-match ban while Ryan Grech returns for Mosta after serving a three-match ban. Manolito Micallef is in doubt as he recovers from an injury.

In the first round, Mosta defeated Pietà 1-0.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Valletta, kick-off 16:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After beating Mosta 5-0 in their last outing, Valletta seek a fifth consecutive win in order to keep the pace with leaders Hibernians. Tarxien, on the other hand, disappointed in recent outings as they have now gone five matches without a win, losing to Mosta and Sliema in their last two matches.

No player is suspended but Tarxien’s Owen Bugeja and Firas Aboulezz are still recovering from injuries. Ryan Fenech returns for Valletta after missing the last game.

In the first round, Valletta and Tarxien shared the spoils in a goalless draw.

Balzan vs Naxxar Lions, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Balzan hope to end their disappointing streak which saw them go six matches without a win, collecting four points in draws including last week’s 1-1 draw with Zebbug. Naxxar, led by former Balzan coach Jesmond Zerafa, collected seven points from the last three matches but are still second from bottom.

Naxxar could not count on the injured David Fenech and Edafe Uzeh while Balzan defender Samir Arab is suspended.

In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Qormi vs Hibernians, kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After beating Floriana 5-0, Hibernians hope to register a twelfth win in thirteen matches as they take on Qormi. With an average of more than three goals per game and conceding just six goals in twelve matches, the Paolites have the best forward line and the best rear-guard. Qormi were disappointed to earn just one point from their last game against Naxxar who notched a stoppage-time equaliser. They have now gone six matches without defeat after three wins and three draws.

Mauricio Mazzetti is ruled out through suspsension for Qormi but Hibernians will be in full strength.

In the first round, Hibs defeated Qormi 2-1.