Joint-leaders Balzan will be aiming for a fifth win in seven matches as they take on Qormi in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium and National Stadium.

Valletta seek the three points from the delicate clash with Tarxien Rainbows, Floriana and Sliema Wanderers face each other in a clash between two teams who share the fifth place while Naxxar Lions continue to chase their first points as they take on Pembroke Athleta.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Valletta, kick-off 15:00 at National Stadium
Valletta target a win in the clash with Tarxien as they aim to keep the pace with Balzan and Hibernians. The Citizens returned to winning ways last week as they beat Naxxar Lions 3-1 to move to just two points behind the leaders. Tarxien, however, will be determined to leave Ta’ Qali with a positive result after losing just one of the first six matches. They are coming from a 1-1 draw with Floriana last week.

Valletta coach Paul Zammit could not count on the suspended Romeu Romao and the injured Jonathan Caruana and Jhonnattann. Tarxien, on the other hand, are expected to be in full strength.

Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 17:00 at National Stadium
Floriana and Sliema both suffered two defeats in their first two matches but then bounced back winning three matches, ending the other game in a draw. This game presents the opportunity for either side to go three points clear of their rivals. In their last outing, Sliema beat St. Andrews 1-0 while Floriana were held in a 1-1 draw by Tarxien.

Jeremiah Ani could mke his return for Sliema after re-joining the club earlier this week.

Naxxar Lions vs Pembroke Athleta, kick-off 15:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After losing the first six matches, Naxxar Lions will hope to end this losing streak as they take on a Pembroke Athleta side whose morale is sky-high following a 1-1 draw with leaders Hibernians last week which raised their tally to seven points after winning their first two matches.

For Pembroke, Louis Cutajar is ruled out injured but Obinna Obiefule could make his debut after joining the club this week. David Fenech returns for Naxxar after serving a one-match ban.

Balzan vs Qormi, kick-off 17:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Balzan will be aiming for another win as they hope to extend their positive run on top the BOV Premier League table. However Qormi, who are currently third from bottom, will be all out to avoid defeat following a draw with Sliema and a narrow defeat to Birkirkara last week. Alfred Effiong, scorer of three goals against Mosta last week, will be facing his former team Qormi for the first team since leaving the club in August.

Steve Bezzina could be back for Oliver Spiteri’s side but Ryan Fenech and Bojan Kaljevic are ruled out injured.