Birkirkara will be aiming to keep the pace with front-runners Balzan and Valletta with a third win in a row as they take on Hamrun Spartans in one of the two matches in programme at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The Stripes registered two comfortable 4-0 wins over St. Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows in their first two outings and another win on Sunday would put them on level points with Valletta and Balzan who claimed maximum points from their first three matches. The Spartans, however, are still unbeaten following a 3-1 win over Hibernians and a 1-1 draw with Gzira United and are eager to earn another positive result against the Stripes.

Hamrun could hand Italian duo Massimiliano Giusti and Christian Maldini after joining the club towards the end of the transfer market while Haruna Garba could be back after a short spell in Egypt.

Meanwhile in the first match, St. Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows both aim at registering their first win after both failed to impress in their first two matches.

Tarxien were held in a 1-1 draw by Gzira United before losing 0-4 to Birkirkara while St. Andrews lost 0-4 to Birkirkara and 1-3 to Floriana.

Both sides are expected to have a new player in squad – Emerson Marcelina for Tarxien and Žiga Kastrevec for St. Andrews.