Closing Round winners Sliema Wanderers face Opening Round runners-up Birkirkara in the first semi-final of the 360Sports Malta Premier Final Four at the National Stadium on Sunday, kick-off at 18:00.

The Stripes have dominated the Opening Round League Phase, finishing top on 28 points, five ahead of Floriana but after obtaining just a win and four draws in the Top 6, had to settle for second place, two ahead of Sliema who had finished both the League Phase and Top 6 in third place.

On the other hand, in the Closing Round, Sliema had placed fifth in the League Phase, one point behind the four joint-leaders, which included Birkirkara. However, in the Top 6, they won three, drew one and lost one to finish top, on level points with Hamrun Spartans but claimed the first place thanks to a better record in the direct encounters. Birkirkara, on the other hand, finished fifth, four points behind the two leaders.

The two teams met four times this season. Birkirkara won 1-0 in the Opening Round League Phase and the Top 6 clash ended in a 1-1 draw. In the Closing Round, Sliema defeated Birkirkara 2-1 in the last match from the League Phase – a win which enabled them to secure a spot in the Top 6 where Sliema defeated Birkirkara 1-0.

Tomislav Papazov and Vito Plut will be back for Birkirkara and Sliema respectively after serving a one-match ban.

If at the end of the ninety minutes, the score is still draw, extra-time will be necessary and if the result remains draw, penalties would determine the winner.