Birkirkara test for Hibernians

Fresh from their fine 4-1 win over Valletta, Birkirkara take on Hibernians in one of the four BOV Premier League matches in programme on Saturday.

Precious points will be at stake in the other three matches as Gudja United face Balzan, Senglea Athletic meet Santa Lucia and Mosta take on Hamrun Spartans.

Gudja United vs Balzan 14:00 Hibernians Stadium

Back-to-back wins over Sliema and Floriana enabled Gudja to collect six precious points in the battle against relegation and now share the tenth place with Sliema, just one point behind eighth-placed Balzan. The latter are eager to return to winning ways after losing three out of the last four matches.

Balzan could not count on the suspended Uros Ljubomirac.

In the first round, Balzan defeated Gudja 1-0.

Senglea Athletic vs Santa Lucia 16:00 Hibernians Stadium

Failing to win any of their last eleven matches leaves Senglea second from bottom on 16 points, four behind Santa Lucia who are eager to bounce back from last week’s 0-2 defeat to Sirens after claiming nine points from the previous three matches. Senglea, on the other hand, collected five points from the last eleven matches in draws.

The two teams shared the spoils in a goalless draw in the first round.

Mosta vs Hamrun Spartans 14:00 National Stadium

Back-to-back wins over Sirens and Senglea lifted the Spartans’ morale as they are now seventh on 25 points. Mosta, on the other hand, lie three points behind Hamrun after suffering three defeats in the last four matches.

Rafael Morisco is ruled out through suspension for Mosta.

In the first round, Mosta defeated Hamrun 2-0.

Birkirkara vs Hibernians 16:00 National Stadium

Birkirkara collected fourteen points from the last six matches thanks to four wins – including two on the joint-leaders – and two draws to move sixth. A win against the Paolites is a must in their bid to climb further up the table. Hibernians, on the other hand, need the three points to keep the pace with Valletta and Floriana. They lost just one match out of the last eleven.

Hibernians will be without the suspended Marcio Leandro Barbosa da Silveira.

In the first round, Birkirkara defeated Hibernians 1-0.