Hamrun Spartans start as firm favourites to claim the three points as they take on Lija Athletic in one of the two BOV Premier League matches in programme on Friday at the Centenary Stadium.

The Spartans returned to winning ways thanks to a most comfortable 4-0 win over Zejtun after a loss to Birkirkara and three 2-2 draws with Balzan, Gzira and Hibs. They now share second place with Gzira, one point behind leaders Sliema.

Lija, on the other hand, are coming from six consecutive defeats and are yet to register a first win since the 5-0 win over Senglea in match day 1. They are second from bottom on four points.

Meanwhile in the second match, Gudja United take on Balzan. Three points separate the two teams with Gudja sharing fifth place with Mosta, with Balzan lying in tenth place.

Gudja won just one of the last four matches, defeating Tarxien 4-0, losing to Floriana and Birkirkara and earning a point in a draw with Valletta. Balzan, on the other hand, failed to win in their last matches and are coming from two draws.

All matches are being played behind closed doors. but fans are able to watch games thanks to the live-streaming service being offered by the Malta Football Association at https://live.mfa.com.mt/ apart from the usual two weekly matches which are broadcast on TVM 2 and/or TSN.