The BOV Premier League resumes this weekend following the national team’s disappointing performance against Moldova and the controversy surrounding the two Under-21 qualifiers against Montenegro and the Czech Republic.
Leaders Valletta take on Tarxien Rainbows, Naxxar Lions and Mosta cross swords in the derby, Pembroke Athleta face Sliema Wanderers while Balzan take on St. Andrews.
Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 16:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Leaders Valletta seek an eleventh consecutive win as they take on a Tarxien Rainbows side which bounced back from some rather disappointing results with two wins over Qormi and St. Andrews in their last two outings. The Rainbows held Valletta in a 1-1 draw in the second round and hope they would be able to earn another positive result on Saturday.
Valletta welcome back Roderick Briffa but Romeu Romao is suspended. Alex da Paixao Alves returns for Tarxien but Sergio Fernandes Prendes is still suspended.
In the first round, Valletta defeated Tarxien 3-1.
Naxxar Lions vs Mosta, kick-off 18:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Naxxar Lions hope to end their losing streak with a repeat of what they did in the first round when they had defeated Mosta 2-0. The Blues had however defeated Naxxar 1-0 in the second round. Naxxar are currently joint-second from bottom and lost the last six matches, conceding no less than 31 goals and scoring none. Mosta, on the other hand, are seventh and are eager to return to winning ways following defeats to Hibernians and Valletta.
Naxxar welcome back goalkeeper Luke Pecorella after serving a one-match ban. Dyson Falzon, on the other hand, is in doubt for Mosta.
Pembroke Athleta vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 16:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After winning just one out of the last eleven matches, Sliema Wanderers hope to return to victory in a direct clash with Pembroke Athleta who lie just one point behind them. The Wanderers collected just three points from the last five matches – in three draws. Pembroke, on the other hand, lost to St. Andrews and Valletta but then held Hibernians in a 1-1 draw in their last outing.
For Sliema, Njongo Priso is suspended but Marko Potezica returns after serving a one-match ban. Pembroke, on the other hand, could not count on the injured Patmore Shereni.
Sliema defeated Pembroke 1-0 and 2-0 in the previous rounds.
Balzan vs St. Andrews, kick-off 18:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After dropping two precious points in a draw with Sliema, Balzan aim at returning to winning ways as they take on St. Andrews. Balzan are still third, two points behind Hibernians while St. Andrews are still second from bottom after losing to Floriana and Tarxien in their last two outings.
Balzan’s Pedrinho and St. Andrews defender Eloy Edu Nkene are both suspended. Samir Arab returns for Balzan after serving a three-match ban.
In the first two rounds, Balzan defeated St. Andrews 2-0 and 5-1.