After winning their first match, Birkirkara, Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta will be aiming for a second win as four matches are in programme on Friday – two at the Hibernians Stadium and two at the National Stadium.

Birkirkara face Tarxien while Valletta take on Sliema Wanderers. Balzan meet Naxxar Lions while champions Hibernians take on Floriana.

Naxxar Lions vs Balzan, kick-off 18:30 at Hibernians Stadium
After holding Hibernians in a 1-1 draw, Balzan target a first win as they face Naxxar Lions who disappointed in a 0-4 defeat to Birkirkara in their last outing.

Naxxar should have Beninese striker Oussou Sidoine making his debut. Ryan Fenech is the only player in doubt for Balzan.

Hibernians vs Floriana, kick-off 20:30 at Hibernians Stadium
Champions Hibernians are eager to bounce back after the draw with Balzan as they take on Floriana.

The Paolites are still without the injured Jean Paul Farrugia and should also be without Johann Bezzina who is set to join Sliema on loan. Floriana, who lost 1-2 to Mosta last week, are expected to have Italian striker Matteo Piciollo back in squad after returning back to Malta from Lupa Castelli Romani.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Birkirkara, kick-off 18:30 at National Stadium
Tarxien and Birkirkara both claimed maximum points last week as the Rainbows scored two late goals to beat Sliema Wanderers 2-0 and Birkirkara registered a comfortable 4-0 win over Naxxar Lions.

The Stripes should have Liliu back in squad while a number of players who had started the first game on the bench or were left out of the squad could make it to the starting line-up. Tarxien continued to strenghten their squad this week with the signing of Luke Montebello from Valletta on loan and the signing of a Nigerian defender.

Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 20:30 at National Stadium
After a 3-0 win over St. Andrews, Valletta hope to make it two wins in a row by beating Sliema Wanderers. However the Blues are hoping to collect their first points after suffering a shock 0-2 defeat to Tarxien last week.

Both sides signed new players this week as Ghanian midfielder Albert Bruce joined Valletta after spells with Qormi and Naxxar while Sliema secured the services of foreigners Benjamin Essel and Kerlon Moura Souza and Under-21 international Johann Bezzina on loan from Hibernians. Sliema will be without goalkeeper Glenn Zammit but Michael Mifsud and Pedrinho should be back after missing the first match. Rafael Ledesma is expected to make his debut.