After moving fifteen points clear thanks to a 3-1 win over Valletta last week, Hibernians will be aiming for a fifteenth win in sixteen matches as they take on Pietà Hotspurs in one of the four matches in programme on Saturday. A win which would enable them to extend their unbeaten run on top the BOV Premier League table.
Balzan and Mosta will battle out for fourth place while Naxxar Lions take on Tarxien Rainbows and Zebbug Rangers face Floriana in two clashes from the lower part of the table.
Naxxar Lions vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 14:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Naxxar Lions target a third win in four matches as they take on a Tarxien Rainbows side which has gone eight matches without a win. The Lions, who are coming from a 2-1 derby win over Mosta, would move in fourth or fifth place, leaving the Rainbows second from bottom. Tarxien lost four out of the last five matches, losing 1-2 to Zebbug last week.
Owen Bugeja could return for Tarxien after missing out a number of matches as he was recovering from an injury. Naxxar are expected to be in full strength.
In the first round, Tarxien defeated Naxxar 2-1.
Pietà Hotspurs vs Hibernians, kick-off 16:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Hibernians start as firm favourites to collect the three points as they host Hibernians. The Paolites are coming from seven consecutive wins and a win over Pietà would see them move temporarily eighteen points clear.
However after managing to beat both Valletta and Birkirkara earlier in the season, the Hotspurs hope to upset the Paolites as they bid to climb up from danger zone. They are coming from two draws against Tarxien and Floriana.
For Pietà, Terence Agius and Nikola Tasic are suspended while coach Noel Coleiro will be unable to lead the team from the bench after being handed a six-month ban. Marcelo Dias is suspended for Hibernians.
In the first round, Hibs beat Pietà 3-1.
Zebbug Rangers vs Floriana, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After claiming their first win, Zebbug will be aiming for another positive result in their bid to close the gap with Tarxien and Pietà. However after losing to Valletta and a draw with Pietà, Floriana will be all out for the three points which could possibly put them in fourth place.
Clyde Borg and Sacha Borg are suspended but Amadou Samb will be back after serving a one-match ban. Zebbug, on the other hand, will be in full strength.
In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw.
Balzan vs Mosta, kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Balzan and Mosta will battle out for fourth place in a clash between two teams who failed to impress in recent outings. After a remarkable start, Balzan have failed to win any of their last nine matches – their last win being the 3-2 win over Tarxien in September. Mosta, on the other hand, won just two of the last ten matches and lie fourth, one point ahead of Balzan and Sliema.
In their last outing, Balzan held Birkirkara in a goalless draw while Mosta lost 1-2 to neighbours Naxxar.
Mosta welcome back Tyrone Farrugia but Manolito Micallef is ruled out injured and Ryan Grech is suspended. For Balzan, Oliver Spiteri should have the full squad at his disposal.
In the first round, Mosta beat Balzan 1-0.