Gzira United and Hibernians will be hoping for a winning start on Monday as they cross swords in the final game from match day 1 of the BOV Premier League 2021/22 at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.

Placing third and second respectively last season, the two teams were the main challengers for the title along with Hamrun Spartans and this season, they start once again as challengers for honours.

The Paolites signed goalkeepers Nicky Vella and Ibrahim Kone, Wilfried Domoraud, Erjon Beu, Thaylor, Diosdado Mbele and Francis Sarfo Mensah while Edafe Uzeh and TImothy Tabone Desira returning with the club after a spell on loan with Santa Lucia.

On the other hand, the Maroons secured the services of Thiago Espindola, Judivan Flor da Silva, Luke Tabone, Emmanuel Mbong, Clive Gauci and Kurt Desira.

In Europe, Hibs suffered an early exit from the UEFA Champions League after losing 0-5 on aggregate to Flora Tallinn but bounced back with a 7-2 aggregate win on SS Folgore, losing 2-4 on aggregate to Riga FC following a controversial second leg last Thursday in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The Maroons, on the other hand, eliminated UE Sant Julia of Andorra following the penalty shoot-out in the UEFA Europa Conference League but were then eliminated by Rijeka of Croatia in the second round.