The BOV Premier League resumes this weekend following the international break due to the senior team’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland and the Under-21 side’s clash with Belgium.
Two of the four teams with maximum points after two matches – Floriana and Balzan – cross swords at the National Stadium. Valletta take on Pembroke Athleta, Gzira United meet neighbours Sliema Wanderers while Hibernians face Mosta.
Gzira United vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 18:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After collecting two points in two 1-1 draws with Tarxien and Hamrun, newly-promoted Gzira United seek another positive result as they face a Sliema Wanderers side still in search of their first points after losing to Valletta and Hibernians.
On the final day of the transfer market, Gzira signed Ellinton Antonio Costa Morais and young Zack Scerri from Hibernians and Sliema secured the services of Ryan Spiteri, Benjamin Chinedu Oweregbulam and Armando Vieira dos Santos. However Oweregbulam is ruled out through suspension after being sent off in his debut for Mosta.
Antonio Quieroz Macedo Neto is available for Gzira after his one-match ban was overturned following an appeal.
Hibernians vs Mosta, kick-off 20:00 at Hibernians Stadium
The Paolites bounced back from a poor start and defeat to Hamrun Spartans with a narrow win over Sliema Wanderers and against Mosta, they will therefore aim for a second consecutive win. The Blues, on the other hand, are seeking their first points after they lost 2-3 to Balzan and 0-1 to Valletta.
Luca Martinelli could make his debut for Mosta after joining the club on loan from Sliema.
Floriana vs Balzan, kick-off 18:00 at National Stadium
Following two back-to-back wins in their first two outings, either Floriana or Balzan will drop their first points as the two teams face each other in a direct clash which will put Italian striker Matteo Piciollo for the first time against his former team.
Balzan beat Mosta 3-2 and Pembroke 2-1 in their first two matches while Floriana defeated Pembroke 2-1 and St. Andrews 3-1.
Valletta vs Pembroke Athleta, kick-off 20:00 at National Stadium
After beating Sliema 2-1 and Mosta 1-0, Valletta target a third consecutive win as they take on Pembroke Athleta who suffered two identical 1-2 defeats to Floriana and Balzan.
Both sides will be unable to field their best formation as Valletta’s Claudio Pani and Pembroke’s Siraj Arab and Luke Montebello are all suspended.