Balzan hope to move seven points clear of Floriana with a win over Qormi in one of the two matches in programme on Friday at the National Stadium as they continue to chase a historic fourth place which could mean a historic place in the UEFA Europa League this summer.

Oliver Spiteri’s side won their last four matches against Sliema, Floriana, Tarxien and Zebbug and a win over Qormi would put them closer to a historic target.

Qormi, on the other hand, are currently fourth from bottom, one point ahead of Tarxien and three ahead of Pietà and Zebbug. They are coming from three draws from Sliema, Floriana and Birkirkara.

In the first round, Balzan defeated Qormi 2-1 while the second round clash ended in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile in the second match, Sliema Wanderers take on Valletta.

After beating rivals Floriana in the derby, Valletta target a seventh consecutive win in order to make sure of staying in second place. Sliema, on the other hand, lost three out of the last five matches, suffering a 2-3 defeat to ten-man Hibernians last Monday.

Valletta will be without the injured Ian Azzopardi and the suspended Hamza Barry and Luke Diemch. Marko Potezica will be back after serving a one-match ban.

The Citizens defeated Sliema 5-0 and 3-1 in the first two rounds.