After being held in a draw by Tarxien Rainbows, leaders Valletta face another tricky test as they take on neighbours Floriana in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The Citizens lead the way by just one point and therefore only a win over their rivals would ensure they stay on top the BOV Premier League table.
Floriana are currently joint-third with Birkirkara with the latter having a game in hand. They bounced back from the shock defeat to Tarxien with a 2-1 win over Sliema Wanderers in their last outing. Against Valletta, they target a positive result which keeps them close to the top.
On Wednesday, the Greens progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy after beating First Division side Lija Athletic 2-1. Valletta, on the other hand, were eliminated after losing 0-1 to holders Birkirkara.
Floriana goalkeeper Matthew Calleja Cremona and Valletta defender Ian Azzopardi will be back after missing their last league game as they were serving a suspension.
In the first round, Valletta defeated Floriana 3-1.
Meanwhile in the first match on Saturday, Birkirkara take on Sliema Wanderers.
The Stripes registered three wins in their last three league outings as they beat Pembroke, Mosta and Qormi and went on to eliminate Valletta from the FA Trophy on Wednesday. They lie six points behind leaders Valletta and five behind Hibernians but have a match in hand.
Sliema, on the other hand, are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Floriana in their last league game and struggled to beat Second Division side Gharghur 2-1 in the FA Trophy. They are currently eighth, eleven points behind the Stripes.
Goalkeeper Timothy Aquilina is ruled out for Sliema as he serves a one-match ban. Justin Haber, Edward Herrera and Ryan Scicluna are still recovering from injuries for Birkirkara but their recent signings should make their league debut after starring in the FA Trophy win over Valletta.
In the first round, Birkirkara beat Sliema 3-1.