Difficult test for Balzan as they face Birkirkara

A week after suffering a first defeat in the BOV Premier League campaign, Balzan are in for another difficult test as they take on Birkirkara in one of two matches in programme on Monday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. These matches were due to be played on Saturday at the Hibernians Stadium but were postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

Balzan who had only dropped four points from the first eight matches in two draws lost 0-2 to Floriana, therefore allowing Valletta to take sole leadership. Birkirkara, on the other hand, are currently fourth on 18 points together with Hibernians. They are coming from a good run of six positive results, including the 1-1 draw with the Paolites.

Balzan could not field their best formation due to the absence of Elkin Serrano Valero, Edison Bilbao Zarate, Ryan Fenech and Bojan Kaljevic. Edward Herrera is the only casualty for Birkirkara.

Meanwhile after returning to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Naxxar Lions, Sliema Wanderers hope to earn another positive result as they take on Hibernians after the Paolites collected just five points from the last four matches.

Both teams were strengthened with the signing of new players – Equatoguinean defender Diosdado Mbele for Hibernians and Colombians Sebastian Perdomo Esquivel and Alvaro Hungria for Sliema. However Clayton Failla, Jorge Santos Silva and Jorginho are in doubt for the Paolites and Michael Mifsud has not yet recovered fully for the Wanderers. Alex Muscat and Marcelo Dias are suspended.