Hibernians will be aiming for the three points on Sunday as they take on Birkirkara in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium. Three points which would put the Paolites on top following Balzan’s 2-2 draw with Tarxien Rainbows on Saturday.
Mark Miller’s side lost just one out of the last fourteen matches and are coming from a 3-0 win over Gzira United last week. The Stripes, on the other hand, lost three out of the last six matches, losing narrowly to Valletta last week. They lie in fifth place on 31 points, nine behind the Paolites.
Birkirkara coach Nikola Jaros could not count on the suspended Gary Muir. Rodolfo Soares returns for Hibernians after serving a one-match ban.
In the first round, Hibernians defeated Birkirkara 1-0.
Meanwhile in the first match, Floriana are favourites to return to winning ways as they take on Gzira United.
A 1-3 defeat to Old Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers brought the Greens’ unbeaten run of eleven matches to an end and allowed Valletta to move three points clear in third place. However following Valletta’s 1-1 draw with St. Andrews, a win over Gzira would put them just one point behind the Citizens.
Three defeats in their last three outings and Saturday’s shock wins for Mosta and Pembroke over Sliema and Hamrun respectively means that Gzira now share the bottom spot with Mosta and Pembroke. Therefore the Maroons will be all out to get something from this game. However this is obviously no easy task.
Earlier this week, Gzira signed goalkeeper Anthony Curmi and Argentine striker Alejandro Reyna while Ricardo Correa left the club to join Sliema. Enzo Ruiz is ruled out for Floriana as he serves a one-match ban but Amadou Samb will be back after skipping the last game against Sliema.
In the first round, Floriana defeated Gzira 1-0.