Stripes target win to move closer to leaders

BOV-Premier-LeagueBirkirkara will be all out to claim the three points in order to move closer to leaders Balzan as they take on Hibernians in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Sunday.

Following Balzan’s 2-2 draw with Tarxien, the Stripes could move to just one point behind the leaders should they beat the Paolites on Sunday. Birkirkara are coming from two comfortable wins – a 3-0 win over Balzan and a 7-1 win over Gzira.

Hibernians are currently joint-fourth with Floriana, two points behind the Stripes after they returned to winning ways with a narrow win over St. Andrews. A win over Birkirkara would put them in second place, three points behind the leaders and one ahead of Birkirkara.

However on Sunday, coach Mark Miller could not field his best formation due to the absence of the suspended Joseph Essien Mbong while Jonathan Pearson, Rui da Gracia Gomes, Johann Bezzina, Clayton Failla and Andrew Cohen are all recovering from injuries.

Meanwhile in the first match, Sliema Wanderers start as firm favourites to register a fifth consecutive win as they take on Mosta.

The Blues defeated Tarxien, Floriana, Hamrun and Pembroke in their last four games while Mosta suffered defeats to Mosta and Floriana, earning a point in a draw with Tarxien.

Peter Xuereb is ruled out through suspension for Sliema while Stefano Bianciardi and Milos Galin are recovering from injuries. Kurt Magro is suspended for Mosta.