Balzan and Valletta start as firm favourites to take home the three points as they take on Pembroke Athleta and Mosta respectively in the two BOV Premier League matches in programme at the National Stadium on Sunday.

In the first game, a win is a must for Balzan in order to regain the top spot. Balzan lost just one game out of the last nine and are coming from a most comfortable 7-1 win over Mosta last week. Pembroke, on the other hand, are currently anchored at the bottom of the table with fourteen points and are coming from a 0-2 defeat to Floriana last week.

Ryan Fenech is ruled out through suspension for Balzan but Paul Fenech will be back after serving a one-match ban. Pembroke could not count on the suspended Filippo Andrea Scozzese. Zoran Levnaic will be back for Artim Shaqiri’s side.

Balzan defeated Pembroke 2-1 and 4-0 in the previous rounds.

Meanwhile Valletta will be hoping to extend their positive run as they take on Mosta.

The Citizens defeated Hamrun and Sliema in their last two outings and are currently third. Mosta, on the other hand, are coming from a heavy 1-7 defeat to Balzan.

Steve Borg is ruled out for Valletta as he serves a one-match ban. On the other hand, Pedrinho and Njongo Priso are expected to be back for Mosta.

Valletta defeated Mosta 1-0 in the first round while the second round clash ended in a goalless draw.