Hibernians, Floriana hope to bounce back from defeats

Valletta will be aiming for a third win in a row while Hibernians and Floriana hope to bounce back from defeats as three BOV Premier League matches are in programme on Friday.

In the first match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 18:00, Hibernians take on St. Andrews. The Paolites suffered two defeats in their last two outings, losing 0-2 to Floriana and 2-3 to Gzira United, and will therefore be all out to return to winning ways. St. Andrews also hope to end a disappointing run after suffering three consecutive defeats to Tarxien Rainbows, Hamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers.

Hibs coach Stefano Sanderra will be unable to lead the team from the bench as he serves a one-match ban.

At the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 20:15, Valletta face bottom-placed Senglea Athletic. The Citizens recovered well from a poor start as they defeated Birkirkara 3-0 and Qormi 6-0. A third win would put them temporarily in second place. Senglea, on the other hand, Qormi, Mosta and Balzan, earning their first point in a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Pietà Hotspurs. 

At the National Stadium, kick-of at 19:00, Qormi take on Floriana. The newly-promoted side collected four points so far in a win over Senglea and a draw with Pietà, suffering defeats to Balzan and Valletta. They seek another positive result on Friday in their bid to stay clear of the lower part of the table. The season so far has been quite disappointing for Floriana as they lost three out of the four matches they played so far. They lost to Hamrun, Sliema and Birkirkara, earning their only points in a win over Hibernians.

Floriana will be without the suspended Alex Cini.