Balzan hope to extend positive run

BOV-Premier-LeagueBalzan seek a fifth win in six matches as they take on Gzira United, Birkirkara face bottom-placed Pembroke Athleta.

Balzan vs Gzira United, kick-off 18:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Balzan start as firm favourites to collect the three points as they take on Gzira United. Balzan won four of the five matches played so far, dropping their only points in a draw with Valletta. In their last outing they defeated Hibernians 2-0. Gzira, on the other hand, won two out of the last three matches, defeating Pembroke 3-0 on Thursday.

However Gzira could not field their best formation as Robert Pinho de Souza and Antonio de Queiroz Machedo Neto are ruled out through suspension while Souleymane Diamoutene, Rafael Ledesma and John Nwoba are recovering from injuries. However Joceano da Silva Santos will be back after serving a one-match ban. Anderson de Barros is injured for Balzan.

Pembroke Athleta vs Birkirkara, kick-off 20:00 at Hibernians Stadium
Birkirkara will be aiming to keep the pace with leaders Balzan with a win over Pembroke Athleta – the only team still chasing their first point after five matches. The Stripes won four of the five matches played, defeating Mosta 2-0 earlier this week. Pembroke, on the other hand, are coming from a 0-3 defeat to Gzira.

Clifford Gauci could return for Pembroke after recovering from an injury. Birkirkara, on the other hand, should be in full strength.

Mosta vs St. Andrews, kick-off 18:00 at National Stadium
After winning two out of the last three matches, St. Andrews target another win as they take on Mosta who won just one of the first four matches. The Saints are coming from a 3-0 win over Sliema while Mosta lost 0-2 to Birkirkara.

Adrian Caruana is ruled out for Mosta as he serves a one-match ban.

Hamrun Spartans vs Floriana, kick-off 20:00 at National Stadium
Following a 2-0 win over rivals Valletta, Floriana hope to make it two wins in a row as they take on Hamrun Spartans. The Spartans lost two out of the last three matches, losing 1-2 to Tarxien Rainbows.

Clyde Borg will be back for Floriana after serving a one-match ban.