Hibernians will be hoping to return to winning ways on Saturday to extend their positive run in the BOV Premier League as they take on Mosta in one of the four matches in programme.
Precious points will be at stake as Qormi face Zebbug Rangers in the derby, Floriana take on Tarxien Rainbows and Pietà face Naxxar Lions.
Pietà Hotspurs vs Naxxar Lions, 14:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Both Pietà and Naxxar are desperate for victory as both sides lost four out of the last five matches. One point separates the two teams with Naxxar lying one point ahead of Pietà. The Hotspurs are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Zebbug while Naxxar lost 0-3 to Valletta.
Naxxar welcome back Pablo Doffo and Jorge Santos Silva who missed the last game but Albert Bruce is suspended. Christian Grech will be back for Pietà after serving a one-match ban.
In the first round, Naxxar defeated Pietà 4-0.
Qormi vs Zebbug Rangers, 16:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After winning two out of the last three matches, defeating Sliema Wanderers and Pietà Hotspurs, Zebbug Rangers target another win which would put them one points ahead of their neighbours who have now gone eleven matches without a win, losing their last six matches. Qormi lost two direct clashes with Pietà and Tarxien last week.
Carlo Monti is still recovering from an injury for Zebbug but new signing David Alejandro Reano, formerly of Naxxar, is set to make his debut.
The first round clash ended in a 1-1 draw.
Floriana vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Floriana start as favourites to claim the three points as they aim at strengthening their fifth place and close in on Balzan. The Greens defeated Mosta 3-1 last week. Tarxien defeated Qormi 2-1 last week to move eighth but the absence of Triston Caruana, Matthew Tabone and Carlos Menendez Hevia limits coach Clive Mizzi’s choices or this game.
Goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona is set to make his debut for Floriana after joining the club from Pembroke but Amadou Samb is ruled out through suspension.
In the first round, the two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Hibernians vs Mosta, kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Hibernians hope to return to winning ways against Mosta after earning just a point in a draw with Birkirkara last week. Mosta are currently sixth after losing four out of the last six matches and are coming from a 1-3 defeat to Floriana last week.
The Blues could have new signings Haruna Babangida and Udo Fortune making their debut. Clayton Failla is ruled out through suspension for Hibernians.
In the first round, Hibs defeated Mosta 5-0.