Stripes hope to extend unbeaten run

Birkirkara will be aiming for the three points in their bid to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches as they take on Naxxar Lions in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday.

The Stripes lie three points behind Valletta and one behind Balzan and a win would put them on level points with the Citizens on the eve of this weekend’s big match between Hibernians and Balzan.

In their last three matches, Birkirkara were held in draws by Hibs and Floriana, beating Balzan 4-1 in the other match.

Naxxar, on the other hand, are third from bottom after claiming four points from two direct clashes with St. Andrews and Qormi.

Birkirkara will be without the suspended Paul Fenech and Joseph Zerafa. Naxxar, on the other hand, welcome back Richard Cardozo and Armando dos Santos.

In the first round, Birkirakra beat Naxxar 4-0.

Meanwhile in the first match, Pembroke Athleta, fresh from an impressive 2-0 win over Valletta, hope to collect another three points as they take on Qormi. Pembroke are currently on the 13-point mark and another win on Saturday would put them two points ahead of Sliema.

Qormi, on the other hand, brought their disappointing run of five consecutive defeats to an end with a draw against Naxxar.

New Qormi recruit, Dutch striker Djamel Leeflang, is set to make his debut for Johann Scicluna’s side.

In the first round, Pembroke defeated Qormi 2-1.