Tricky Balzan test for leaders Hibernians

Hibernians aim at extending their positive run to nineteen matches with an eleventh consecutive win as they take on Balzan in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday.

The Paolites, who had defeated Balzan 3-0 in the first round, start as favourites but Balzan, who are coming from five positive results, including three consecutive wins in their last three outings, are keen to take something home from this game as they try to keep clear of the teams chasing them for the fourth place.

Oscar Guerrero will be back after serving a two-match ban but Clive Brincat is suspended and Bojan Kaljevic is still unavailable. Hibs will be without Rui de Gracia Gomez who is on international duty with the Equatorial Guinea.

Meanwhile in the second match, Birkrkara will hope to revenge their first round defeat at the hands of Floriana.

The Stripes are coming from three consecutive wins and a win would enable them to re-join Valletta in the second place. The Greens lost 2-3 to Balzan and are currently fifth, four points behind Balzan and thirteen behind the Stripes.

Dutch striker Nassir Machi is set for his debut with Birkirkara but Matheus Bissi and Nikola Vukanac are suspended. For Floriana, Amadou Samb is once again ruled out through suspension but Manolito Micallef will be making his debut after re-joining the club from Mosta.