Hibernians hope to extend lead

Leaders Hibernians will be hoping to extend the lead on top the BOV Premier League table as they take on neighbours Tarxien Rainbows in the derby while Valletta face Balzan in two of the three matches in programme on Friday.

In the first match at the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 18:00, Senglea Athletic take on Floriana.

Four wins and a highly entertaining 3-3 draw against Valletta in their last five matches enabled Senglea to abandon the bottom spot and now lie just one point behind the Greens and St. Andrews and two behind Tarxien and Mosta. The Greens, on the other hand, failed to win any of their last five matches, earning only three points in draws.

Floriana could not count on the suspended Jurgen Pisani.

In the first round, Floriana registered a 4-1 win.

Meanwhile in the second match, Hibernians take on Tarxien Rainbows at the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.

Lying two points ahead of Valletta, the Paolites cannot afford an result other than a win in order to retain sole leadership. They are coming from three consecutive wins after defeating Floriana, Gzira and St. Andrews. Tarxien, on the other hand, are joint-eighth after losing the last three matches.

Isaac Ntow and Dunstan Vella of Hibernians and Tarxien’s Matthew Spiteri are all ruled out through suspension.

Hibernians defeated Tarxien 4-2 in the first round.

At the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:00, Balzan take on Valletta.

The Citizens disappointed in their last outing after being held in a 3-3 draw by Senglea Athletic to lose the top spot. They will therefore be all out to return to winning ways in order to keep the pace with the leaders. Balzan, on the other hand, are currently fifth, ten points behind the Citizens. They registered their first win, since the appointment of Jacques Scerri as their new coach, as they beat Pietà Hotspurs 3-0. But this was only their second win in six matches.

Former Balzan striker Bojan Kaljevic is ruled out for Valletta as he serves a one-match ban.

Valletta defeated Balzan 4-1 in the first round.