Marsaxlokk look to ensure place in top-six pool

Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 1.15 p.m., Hibs Ground).

This match is likely to decide whether Marsaxlokk will book a berth in the Championship Pool or not, unless Floriana lose to Valletta today.

Sixth on 21 points, two below Pietà Hotspurs, Marsaxlokk will make sure of a top-six finish if they beat a Hamrun Spartans side already doomed to the Relegation Pool.

Marsaxlokk coach J.J. Aquilina is bolstered by the acquisition of Malta Under 21 international player Etienne Barbara and that of combative midfielder Alan Mifsud from Marsa.

Goalkeeper Reuben Debono, striker Johann Zammit and Roger Walker also return to boost the southerners' chances of a place in the elite class.

Although Hamrun are out of contention for a top-six place, they cannot afford to drop more points.

The Spartans have now slipped to second from bottom in the Premier League standings after they were leapfrogged by rivals Marsa thanks to the latter's 5-0 rout of Mosta.

Atanas Marinov, the Spartans' Bulgarian coach, is expected to keep faith with the starting formation that suffered a last-minute defeat to Pietà last Sunday.

First round result - Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun 4-1.

Pietà Hotspurs vs Hibernians (tomorrow at 3.15 p.m.. Hibs Ground).

Pietà Hotspurs will be anxiously awaiting news from this afternoon's match between Valletta and Floriana.

Any loss of points by Floriana would seal the Hotspurs' Championship Pool place but a victory for the Greens would leave Pietà facing the prospect of a decider if they finish empty-handed from their game with the champions tomorrow.

Hibernians will be expected to approach their last second round match full of determination and commitment as they seek to revive their flagging title candidacy.

Both teams have some important players missing because of suspension.

Hibernians' duo Cesar Paiber and Miguel Mifsud and Gareth Sciberras and Pierre Aquilina, of Pietà, were handed one-match suspensions in midweek.

Robert Gatt, the Hibs coach, also has concerns over the fitness of other players, namely Edmund Lufi, Wilfred Spiteri, Roderick Baldacchino and Andrew Cohen.

Branko Nisevic is expected to return to the starting line-up.

Newcomer Jean Paul Vella could figure in the Pietà squad.

First round result - Hibernians vs Pietà 1-0.