Hamrun, Hibs aim at extending positive runs

Leaders Hamrun Spartans and third-placed Hibernians will be aiming at extending their positive runs as they take on Balzan and Lija Athletic respectively in two of the four matches in programme from the BOV Premier League on Sunday.

In the first match at the National Stadium, Valletta face Santa Lucia. Despite losing four out of the last six matches, the Citizens are currently eighth, just two points behind Santa Lucia who lost just one out of the last ten matches but were held in five draws.

Valletta will be without the suspended Henry Bonello and Ryan Fenech.

In the first round, Santa Lucia and Valletta shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

In the second match at the National Stadium, Mosta take on Sirens. Mosta share seventh place with Santa Lucia on 29 points, four ahead of tenth-placed Sirens. A dramatic stoppage-time goal put Mosta back on track as they defeated Gudja in their last outing after suffering five consecutive defeats. Sirens, on the other hand, suffered back-to-back defeats to Tarxien and Valletta in their last two matches. They won just three out of the last nine matches.

For Sirens, Tamsir Jammeh is ruled out through suspension.

In the first round, Sirens and Mosta shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

In the first match at the Centenary Stadium, Hibernians face Lija Athletic. The Paolites, currently third two points behind Hamrun and one behind Gzira, are unbeaten in eight matches, dropping just two points in a draw with Floriana. Lija, on the other hand, are second from bottom on 16 points. However, they lost just two out of their last six matches.

Hibs could not count on the suspended Sergio Raphael.

In the first round, Hibs defeated Lija 8-1.

In the second match at the Centenary Stadium, Hamrun Spartans will be aiming for a fifth consecutive win as they take on Balzan. The Spartans are unbeaten in fifteen matches and only a win would guarantee they stay top. Balzan lie fourth from bottom on 20 points, collecting eight points from the last five matches thanks to two wins and two draws.

Balzan will be without the suspended Sean Cipriott, Weverton Gomes and Milan Djuric.

Balzan held Hamrun in a 2-2 draw in the first round.

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.