Sliema chase ninth consecutive win

Champions Sliema Wanderers will be chasing their ninth victory in as many matches when they take on relegation strugglers Pietà Hotspurs this afternoon.

An intriguing fixture is on tomorrow when Hibernians take on Marsa-xlokk.

The remaining two matches are between teams jousting to improve their position as Valletta meet Mosta and Msida St Joseph face rivals Hamrun Spartans.

Valletta vs Mosta (today at 3 p.m., National Stadium).

This match has assumed added significance after Valletta's 4-2 upset to Hamrun Spartans.

The feeble manner of Valletta's defeat on Monday has increased the pressure on the entire City clan going into this clash with Mosta.

Trailing the Citizens by three points, Mosta must be fancying their chances of defying their more-quoted opponents.

J.J. Aquilina, the Valletta coach, is expected to rely on all of his big guns, with Gilbert Agius and Ian Zammit both in line to start after coming on as substitutes against Hamrun.

Nigerian striker Jerry Ani has resumed training and should be in the squad after recovering from injury but left-back Renie Forace is ruled out by suspension.

Outplayed in the first half of their match against Birkirkara last Saturday, Mosta improved after the break and lost by the odd goal in five after trailing 3-0 at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Paul Zammit, the Mosta coach, cannot send out his best team today as Nigerian Ikechukwu Chibueze is struggling to shake off a knee injury sustained against Birkirkara.

Defender Carl Attard has been laid down by flu during the week and Ives Bilocca is away from the islands on work commitments.

Sliema W. vs Pietà H. (today at 5 p.m., National Stadium).

Sliema's perfect start to the season should be extended to nine games today when they meet relegation strugglers Pietà.

However, Edward Aquilina, the Sliema coach, and assistant Hugh Caruana are worried about the fitness of several key players who could miss this match.

Stefan Giglio has served his one-match ban in the 1-0 defeat of Floriana but a nagging injury could prevent him from making a return to the first team.

Joe Brincat and Claude Mattocks are definitely out of the reckoning as both are recovering from injuries.

Mauro Di Lello, the Italian defender Sliema signed in the close season, has completed his rehabilitation from a thigh problem and could face his former club today.

Pietà Hotspurs welcome David Camenzuli and Andrew Spiteri back in their fold from suspension but the team is still plagued by other important absences.

Ilian Deanov received a one-match suspension in midweek while Chris Okoh and Carmelo Sciuto are still sidelined with knee injuries.

Msida SJ vs Hamrun S. (tomorrow at 3 p.m., National Stadium).

Over the years, matches between these two teams have come to be regarded as derbies due to the proximity of the two localities.

Tomorrow's clash promises another enticing affair what with their mutual determination to brighten their chances of pulling clear of the Relegation Pool.

Hamrun secured a significant tonic on Monday when they beat Valletta 4-2. Veteran Ivan Zammit is doubtful for the Spartans but otherwise, coach Michael Degiorgio can bank on a full complement.

Msida lost 4-2 to Hibernians on Saturday but the return of four first-squad members should raise their confidence.

Skipper Daniel Theuma and David Carabott, both former Malta internationals, will bring experience to the Msida defence after they missed the game against Hibs to serve suspension.

Josef Mifsud should also reclaim his place in the heart of Msida's rearguard after he was deemed unfit to play against Hibs due a slight head injury.

Defender Clint Micallef is back from his honeymoon but Mark Pullicino is suspended.

Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians (tomorrow at 5 p.m., National Stadium).

Hibernians' objective to stay in touch with leaders Sliema will be put to a stern test by a resurgent Marsa-xlokk team.

After their comfortable 4-1 win over Pietà, Marsaxlokk will now be looking to topple one of the big guns in order to signal their intent to challenge for the top positions.

Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia and Oliver Spiteri, the former Qormi coach who has now joined Marsaxlokk, are not expected to make significant changes from the team that beat Pietà.

Charlò Magro and Trevor Templeman are both injured but otherwise, Marsaxlokk have a full complement.

Robert Gatt, the Hibs' coach, will have been pleased by his team's response in their 4-2 defeat of Msida after their 2-0 loss to Valletta.

Essien Mbong cannot run Hibs' midfield today after being hit by a one-match sanction. Central defender Ryan Mintoff is still recovering from back pain but Ben Camilleri is now 100 per cent fit.