Spartans test for champions Hibernians

Following a comfortable win over St. Andrews in their first outing, champions Hibernians face a much more difficult test as they take on Hamrun Spartans in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme at the Victor Tedesco and the Centenary Stadium on Friday.

Balzan and Valletta seek their second win as they take on St. Andrews and Senglea Athletic respectively while Floriana face Tarxien Rainbows.

St. Andrews vs Balzan, kick-off 18:30 at Centenary Stadium
Balzan start as firm favourites to claim another three points against a St. Andrews side which disappointed in its first outing. Balzan defeated Naxxar Lions 2-0 while St. Andrews suffered a 0-4 defeat to Hibernians. The Saints need to improve considerably to collect a first positive result from this game.

The St. Andrews squad has been strengthened with the signing of former Valletta and Mosta goalkeeper Yenz Cini. Dylan Grima, on the other hand, is no longer a Balzan player after moving to Floriana.

Senglea Athletic vs Valletta, kick-off 20:45 at Centenary Stadium
Following a fine performance in a 2-2 draw with Sliema Wanderers last week, newly-promoted Senglea Athletic will be aiming for another positive result as they face Valletta who only managed to beat Mosta narrowly after having Claudio Pani sent off.

Both sides strengthened their squad during the week with Valletta signing Italian striker Matteo Piciollo and Senglea securing the services of another three Argentine players and a Brazilian.

Floriana vs Tarxien Rainbows, kick-off 18:30 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
After only managing to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with Birkirkara, Floriana target their first win against a Tarxien Rainbows side who suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Hamrun Spartans in their first outing.

The Rainbows, who could not count on goalkeepers Andrea Cassar and Dean Sciberras as they are ruled out injured, signed goalkeeper Christian Cassar who played for Balzan. Floriana, on the other hand, signed Dylan Grima from Balzan.

Ryan Darmanin is ruled out through suspension for Tarxien.

Hamrun Spartans vs Hibernians, kick-off 20:45 at Victor Tedesco Stadium
Hamrun Spartans host Hibernians in a clash between two teams who claimed maximum points from their first outings. Hamrun defeated Tarxien 4-1 while Hibs beat St. Andrews 4-0. Both sides hope to continue where they had left last week for what should be the big game for this weekend.