The Assikura Women’s League continues this weekend with the final slate of fixtures before making space for the senior women’s national team who are on the brink of securing a historic promotion to League B of the newly-launched Nations League.
Hibernians will be eyeing the three points to make sure they remain in top position come the international break.
The Paolites are at the back of a hard-fought narrow win over rivals Mġarr United which propelled them to first place with 22 points.
Alexis Espitia scored one of the team’s goals as she remains Hibernians’ best scorer with nine goals in this 2023/2024 domestic campaign.
Keith Gouder’s team face Lija Athletic who have so far collected four points and have lost last weekend’s encounter with San Ġwann as they remain second bottom in the championship.
However, Jethron Azzopardi’s team can take heart from their first round head-to-head when they gave Hibernians a run for their money before losing to an Espitia goal early in the second half.
Second-place Swieqi United meet San Ġwann as they will look to keep track of league leaders Hibernians.
The Owls trail the Paolites by two points and are at the back of a goalless stalemate with Birkirkara last Thursday.
Saviour Darmanin’s side will be relying on their offensive prowess provided by Salamatu Abdulai – 13 goals and Karima Abdulai – 9 goals.
San Ġwann, on their part, secured an important win over Lija Athletic as Julian Camilleri’s side has now picked up seven points.
Meanwhile, champions Birkirkara take on Mtarfa for the first time this season after their first round encounter has been rescheduled to December 19.
Jose Borg’s side want to bounce back from their Swieqi draw and remain close to both Hibernians and Swieqi, considering also they have one game in hand.
On the other hand, Mtarfa remain the only team who is yet to score a single point in this campaign.
Elsewhere, Mġarr United and Valletta meet in a clash that could determine the top four placing.
The Greens lost against Hibernians last weekend, remaining fourth on 17 points.
Valletta hit Mtarfa for eight to stay fifth but move just five points behind Mġarr United.
In the first round, Mġarr had secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Valletta.