Citizens target second place as they take on Floriana in derby

Valletta will be hoping to move second as they take on Floriana in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday.

The Citizens are currently third on 37 points but after that Birkirkara were held in a 2-2 draw by Qormi, Valletta could move second, one point ahead of the Stripes.

They defeated the five bottom sides – Qormi, Tarxien, Pietà, Mosta and Naxxar in their last five matches.

Floriana, on the other hand, lie in fifth place – one point behind fourth-placed Balzan – and are unbeaten in nine matches. Against Valletta, they seek a positive result as they continue to chase a place in Europe.

Douglas Moreira Cobo is ruled out for Floriana as he serves a one-match ban while Conor Borg and Clyde Borg are both in doubt. Valletta, on the other hand, welcome back Ryan Camilleri and Ryan Fenech.

Valletta defeated Floriana 2-0 and 4-1 in the previous rounds.

Meanwhile in the second match, leaders Hibernians hope to move a step closer to the title with a win over Sliema Wanderers. In case of a win for Valletta, a win for Hibs would put them nine points clear and therefore just four points away from the title. The Paolites won twenty-four out of the twenty-eight matches played so far, defeating Mosta 5-0 in their last outing.

Sliema, on the other hand, are currently sixth on 22 points and are coming from a goalless draw with Qormi last week.

Pedro Calcado and Mark Scerri will be back for Sliema but Marko Potezica is suspeneded. Hibernians should be in full strength.

Hibs defeated Sliema 3-1 and 2-1 in the first two rounds.