Hibernians hope to end this weekend as sole leaders in the BO Premier League with a win over neighbours Tarxien Rainbows on Saturday should Valletta fail to take the three points home on Sunday.
In the other three matches on Saturday, Floriana take on Naxxar Lions, St. Andrews face Qormi and Sliema Wanderers meet Mosta.
Floriana vs Naxxar Lions, kick-off 14:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Floriana start as firm favourites for victory as they take on a Naxxar Lions side coming from a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Hibernians. The Greens who are joint-third with Balzan and Birkirkara won three out of their last five matches. Naxxar, on the other hand, remain third from bottom after losing their last two games. To make matters worse for Naxxar, president David Vella stepped down earlier this week. Blazo Rajovic is suspended but Naxxar coach Clive Mizzi welcomes back Andrew Scicluna. Apart from the injured Matthew Calleja Cremona, Jurgen Pisani and Juninho Cabral, Manuel Briffa is ruled out through suspension for Floriana. n the first round, Floriana defeated Naxxar 1-0.
Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 16:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Joint-leaders Hibernians hope to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches with a derby win over Tarxien Rainbows. The Paolites claimed maximum points from their last four matches, defeating St. Andrews, Balzan, Floriana and Naxxar and scoring no less than seventeen in the process. Tarxien, however, hope to upset their rivals after a fine 3-0 win over Balzan last week. Carlos Menedez Hevia is suspended but Ebiabowei Baker and Brandon Muscat will be back. Rodolfo Soares is the only casualty for the Paolites. In the first round, Hibs defeated Tarxien 1-0.
St. Andrews vs Qormi, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Qormi hope to end their winless streak by beating St. Andrews who are still chasing their first point after fourteen matches. Qormi have gone ten matches without a win, earning only three points in draws. Noah Olawole returns for ohann Scicluna’s side after serving a suspension but Carlo Monti is no longer available after being released by the club. Terence Vella is suspended. St. Andrews, on the other hand, welcome back Edafe Uzeh but Kyrian Nwoko is still recovering from an injury. Qormi beat St. Andrews 3-0 in the first round.
Sliema Wanderers vs Mosta, kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After beating Pembroke Athleta 2-0 last week, Sliema target another win in order to bridge the gap with the same Mosta who lie in seventh place, seven points ahead of them. Mosta collected six points from the last two matches, defeating Qormi and St. Andrews with identical 3-1 wins. Mosta could not count on the suspended Edin Murga and Omar Borg. For Sliema, Kerlon is not available for selection. n the first round, Sliema defeated Mosta 2-1.