Leaders Sliema Wanderers face a difficult test on Tuesday as they take on third-placed Hamrun Spartans in one of four matches from the BOV Premier League in programme at the National Stadium and the Centenary Stadium.
Second-placed Hibernians meet fourth-placed Gzira United in another interesting clash while in the other two matches Sirens face Santa Lucia and Zejtun Corinthians meet Lija Athletic.
In the first match at the National Stadium, Sliema Wanderers seek maximum points from the clash with Hamrun in order to maintain sole leadership. The Blues won four out of the last five matches and are coming from back-to-back wins over Lija and Zejtun. They enjoy a two-point lead over Hibernians and a three-point lead over the Spartans. Hamrun won just one out of the last six matches, also earning points in four draws. They are coming from a 2-2 draw with Lija.
In the second match, a win for Hibernians could put them on top should Sliema fail to beat Hamrun. The Paolites returned to winning ways during the weekend thanks to a 3-0 win over Santa Lucia following the shock defeat to Sirens. Lying two points behind Hibs, Gzira are eager to return to winning ways after losing to Sirens during the weekend – their first defeat after an unbeaten run of eight matches.
In the first match at the Centenary Stadium, Sirens take on Santa Lucia. Steve D’Amato’s side is coming from back-to-back wins over Hibernians and Gzira United and a third consecutive win would put them on level points with Valletta and Floriana. Santa Lucia share the ninth place with Sirens but won just one out of the last five matches, losing 0-3 to Hibs on Saturday.
Jamie Zerafa is unavailable for Santa Lucia as he serves a one-match ban.
In the second match, Zejtun Corinthians and Lija Athletic will both be eager to return to winning ways and collect precious points. Zejtun lost four out of the last five matches and are currently fourth from bottom on nine points. Lija have failed to win any of their last nine matches but held Hamrun in a 2-2 draw on Friday.
Lija’s Daniel Scerri and Zejtun’s Ibrahim Kone and Marcelo Muniz are ruled out through suspension.
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.