'Rocky' heads parade of newcomers

Msida St Joseph vs Hibs (today at 8 p.m., National Stadium).
Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva is in line to make his Hibs debut in a match the Paolites must win to banish fears of a nerve-jangling final second round match against St George's next weekend.

With a two-point lead over seventh-placed Floriana, Hibs know that only a victory would guarantee them a place in the Championship Pool before their last match of the first phase.

Robert Gatt, the Hibs coach, and his players will approach this seemingly tough match against Msida St Joseph in high spirits after turning in fine performances against Valletta (2-1) and Marsaxlokk (2-2).

Da Silva, who has joined Hibs until the end of the season in a direct swap from Marsaxlokk for Udo Nwoko, could earn a starting role today although Gatt will certainly think long and hard before making any changes to his team.

Young players Kenneth Spiteri and Ben Camilleri are still on the injured list but Thomas Caruana has regained his fitness.

Having long assured themselves of a berth in the Championship Pool, Msida's new target is to retain their place among the leading teams. To do that, they need to rediscover their winning touch after drawing three and losing one of their last four league matches.

Today's match is the first for Msida since they transferred Peter Pullicino to Marsaxlokk. Shaun Bajada, who joined Msida from Marsaxlokk until the end of the season, will make his first appearance for the Saints.

Coach Patrick Curmi must find a replacement for Tyrone Farrugia, suspended, while Karl Ebejer is out through injury.

First round result - Msida vs Hibs 4-0.

Valletta vs Marsa (tomorrow at 1 p.m., Hibs Ground).
The gazes of the Valletta fans will be on Richmar 'Rocky' Siberie tomorrow, the Netherlands Antilles forward signed by the Citizens as a replacement for the departed Sebastian Monesterolo.

Coming from back-to-back defeats, coach Paul Zammit will surely be hoping that 'Rocky' can deliver the attacking punch needed to guide his team to a morale-boosting victory over bottom side Marsa.

Keith Fenech is set to earn a recall to Valletta's starting formation to fill the void left by Uzeh Edafe. The Nigerian is suspended after his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Sliema.

Valletta could also be without Ian Zammit who is struggling with a thigh problem.

Marsa, the only team without a win so far this season, will be looking to make life uneasy for the under-fire Citizens. In midweek, Marsa signed two Nigerian players, Ishaku Umoru (ex-Hamrun Spartans) and Joseph Shidi Achokwu (ex-San Gwann).

Coach Edmond Lufi is plagued by the absence of Gilbert Martin (injured) and Jean Paul Zammit (suspended).

First round result - Valletta vs Marsa 3-0.

Pietà Hotspurs vs Floriana (tomorrow at 3 p.m., Hibs Ground).
This match could well be the second of a four-game series between these two teams if Floriana's remote hopes of escaping the Relegation Pool are shattered by a Hibs' victory this evening.

In the event of a draw or a defeat for the Paolites, Floriana would still have a slight chance of making the top six if they beat Pietà and Hibs fail to beat St George's in their next match.

Whatever the outcome of Hibs' clash with Msida, both Floriana and Pietà Hotspurs are expected to give their all to win and improve their positions in the standings.

Floriana, 3-0 winners over St George's last weekend, have defender Ryan Newell ruled out by suspension while young midfielder Christian Caruana is still ranked doubtful. Angus Buhagiar is set to return for Joe Grech's team.

This week, the Greens allowed Mauro Brincat and Keith Fabri to join Division One sides San Gwann and Tarxien Rainbows respectively.

Carmel Busuttil, the Pietà coach, was satisfied with the effort put in by his team in the 4-1 defeat to Birkirkara. Goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is back in the fray for the Hotspurs after missing the last match because of suspension. Defender David Camenzuli is also likely to make a comeback after shaking off a slight injury.

First round result - Pietà vs Floriana 0-4.