Galea joins ailing Mosta as Greens still hopeful of signing Oba

Marsaxlokk vs Mosta (Hibs Ground - 1 p.m.)
This clash between the two promoted sides this season is regarded as another six-pointer for both teams. Following the midweek results, Marsaxlokk, who are currently sixth, two points adrift of Pietà and one ahead of Floriana, can make a decisive step towards securing a Championship Pool berth if they beat struggling Mosta.

Coach J.J. Aquilina, however, is faced with the absence of defender Justin Tellus and midfielder Trevor Templeman, both suspended. Young Brandon Zammit is still sidelined with a knee injury.

On a more positive note, the southseasiders are expected to give latest recruit Reuben Debono his debut in goal after joining from Birkirkara on Thursday.

Things are not looking bright at Mosta lately as a spate of injuries to key players has thwarted coach Vince Carbonaro from fielding his strongest formation. The decision of Albert Busuttil and Clive Mizzi to seek pastures new has certainly not helped the team's cause either.

Mosta, without a win in their last seven matches, now seem destined to the Relegation Pool as they prepare for their third match in a space of a week.

Brazilian duo Cristiano De Oliveira and Jura Da Silva are both major doubts tomorrow while Frank Ellul and Anghel Terziyski are certain to miss out. Ryan Newell and Duncan Cuschieri are suspended.

Carbonaro's worries were somewhat eased yesterday after the club signed Anthony Galea from Pietà. The former Malta U-21 midfielder joined Mosta for the rest of the season.

Pio Sciriha is back from suspension but the half-fit Paul Zammit is unlikely to be included in the starting formation.

First round result: Marsaxlokk-Mosta 4-1.

Floriana vs Marsa (Hibs Ground - 3 p.m.)
Floriana will be eager to give their Championship Pool aspirations a major boost tomorrow when they face lowly Marsa. After their midweek draw with Pietà, the Greens are aware that they cannot afford to lose any points at this stage to bridge the gap with direct rivals Marsaxlokk and Pietà.

Ziya Yildiz, the Floriana coach, lost two key players in midweek. Midfielder Donovan Friggieri is out through suspension after a red card against Pietà while Congolese defender Ryad-Mynel Gango-Rtsa is out for several weeks with a fractured fibula in a goalmouth action on Wednesday.

The Greens are still interested in resigning Rufin Oba who left the club in summer to play in Belgium. Sources close to the club yesterday told The Times that the deal has hit a snag due to visa problems.

Marsa, yet to solve their boardroom problems, must start picking up points if they are to stand a chance of preserving their status for the second successive year.

Stand-in coach Godwin Cuschieri has no injured players and can bank on a full complement for tomorrow's clash.

First round result: Floriana-Marsa 3-2.