Balzan, Valletta in direct clash to retain perfect record

bov-premier-leagueAfter claiming maximum points from their first three matches, Balzan and Valletta will be all out to maintain their perfect record as the two teams cross swords in a direct clash at the National Stadium in one of the four matches in programme on Saturday.

Gzira United take on Mosta, Tarxien Rainbows face Floriana and Pembroke Athelta meet Hibernians in the other three matches.

Mosta vs Gzira United, kick-off 18:00 at Hibernians Stadium
After suffering defeats to Balzan, Valletta and Hibernians, Mosta will be aiming for their first points as they take on a Gzira United which is still unbeaten following draws with Tarxien and Hamrun and a win over Sliema. The Maroons, on the other hand, hope to extend their positive run with another win.

Souleymane Diamoutene is in doubt for Gzira while Kurt Magro and Tristan Grant are recovering from injuries for Mosta.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Floriana, kick-off 20:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Following a narrow defeat to Balzan, Floriana hope to bounce back with a win over Tarxien Rainbows who collected just one point from the first three matches after a draw with Gzira and back-to-back defeats to Birkirkara and St. Andrews. The Greens, on the other hand, are currently three points behind the leaders after beating Pembroke and St. Andrews in their first two outings.

For Tarxien, Ebiaowei Baker is suspended while Ayrton Azzopardi is ruled out injured. On the other hand, Floriana coach Giovanni Tedesco should have the full squad at his disposal.

Pembroke Athleta vs Hibernians, kick-off 18:00 at National Stadium
After beating Sliema and Mosta in their last two outings, Hibernians hope to make it three wins in a row as they face a Pembroke Athleta side still chasing their first points after losing to Floriana, Balzan and Valletta.

Siraj Arab and Luke Montebello will be back for Pembroke after serving two-match bans.

Balzan vs Valletta, kick-off 20:00 at National Stadium
Balzan and Valletta both target a fourth consecutive win in their bid to retain the top spot in the BOV Premier League. The CItizens defeated Sliema, Mosta and Pembroke while Balzan registered narrow wins over Mosta, Pembroke and Floriana.

Anderson de Barros is in doubt for Balzan while for Valletta, Roderick Briffa is ruled out injured while Claudio Pani is still suspended.