Key Floriana players suspended

Five Premier League players were in the list of suspensions yesterday. Championship Pool hopefuls Floriana suffered the hardest blow as two key players received a one-match ban.

Midfielder Manolito Micallef was suspended after being dismissed for headbutting Msida defender Tyrone Farrugia in Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Floriana skipper Ian Azzopardi has also been banned for one match for a fourth booking.

Micallef and Azzopardi will miss Floriana's clash with champions Birkirkara on Saturday.

Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber faces a long wait to make his second appearance for Marsaxlokk. He was red-carded on his debut for the Premier League leaders last Sunday for handling the ball outside his box.

Marsaxlokk, who were held to a 1-1 draw with St George's on Sunday, will not play before January 27 when they meet Hibernians.

Tail-enders Marsa and Pietà Hotspurs will have to make do without two regular players for their direct encounter on Sunday.

Diego Cucciardi, the Marsa forward, and defender Edward Herrera, of Pietà Hotspurs, have been banned one match.