Tricky test for Hibernians

Hibernians will be aiming for a fifth consecutive win and an eighth successive positive result as they take on Sliema Wanderers in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday.

Birkirkara hope to return to winning ways as they face Tarxien Rainbows, Floriana face St. Andrews and Gzira United meet Hamrun Spartans.

Gzira United vs Hamrun Spartans, kick-off 14:00 at National Stadium
Gzira United and Hamrun Spartans cross swords in a clash between two teams desperate for a win. The Maroons lost their last five matches while Hamrun lost four out of the last five games. However five points separate the two teams with the Spartans lying in seventh place on 14 points and Gzira tenth. Gzira are coming from a narrow defeat to Tarxien while Hamrun lost 1-4 to Hibernians.

Hamrun welcome back Jorginho after he missed the last game through suspension.

In the first round, the two teams sjared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers, kick-off 16:00 at National Stadium
After defeating Hamrun 4-1 last week, Hibs aim for a fifth win in a row as they take on a Sliema Wanderers who are coming from a 1-2 defeat to Valletta – the Wanderers’ first defeat after six positive results.

Alex Muscat should be back for the Blues after missing the last game due to an injury.

Hibs defeated Sliema 1-0 in the first round.

Floriana vs St. Andrews, kick-off 14:00 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Floriana hope to extend their positive run to six matches as they take on a St. Andrews side who lost just one game out of the last five matches, holding both Valletta and Birkirkara in draws. They share seventh place with Hamrun on 14 points. The Greens, on the other hand, moved fourth following a 2-1 win over Pembroke Athleta last week.

Dale Camilleri is suspended for St. Andrews while Daniel Brandle has not yet recovered from an injury. Floriana coud not count on the suspended Mario Fontanella while Antonio Monticelli is still ruled out injured.

Floriana defeated St. Andrews 3-1 in the first round.

Birkirkara vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 16:15 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After earning just two points from the last three matches, Birkirkara will be all out to collect the three points as they take on Tarxien Rainbows who returned to winning ways last week, defeating Gzira United 1-0. The Rainbows are yet to appoint a new coach.

Alex Nilsson will be back after serving a two-match ban but Marcelina Emerson and Ebiabowei Baker are still suspended. Birkirkara, on the other hand, should be in full strength.

Birkirkara defeated Tarxien 4-0 in the first round.