Doomed Marsa seek to break jinx

Pietà Hotspurs vs Marsa (today at 3 p.m., National Stadium)

With the relegation issue already settled, Pietà Hotspurs and Marsa have little to play for other than pride.

Floriana's 6-2 thumping of St George's secured another season of top-flight football for the Hotspurs. Coach Carmel Busuttil has made no secret of his intention to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress in the remaining matches to gain valuable experience ahead of next season's Premier League campaign.

Busuttil will surely be forced to effect one change to his starting formation. Bulgarian midfielder Svetlan Kondev is out of contention as he serves a one-match ban.

Despite losing their place in the Premier League, Marsa still have something to aim for in the last three matches. They are the only team in the top flight without a win.

Coach Edmund Lufi will be urging his boys to end that negative streak before their Premier League stay is over.

Lufi is sure to be without striker Andrew Scerri who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Results so far: Pietà Hotspurs vs Marsa 1-1, 5-3, 2-0.

Sliema Wanderers vs Bir-kirkara (today at 5 p.m., National Stadium)

After being held to a draw by Valletta last weekend, Sliema Wanderers' chances of winning the league title look very slim.

However, they will look to secure the runners-up spot when they face third-placed Birkirkara this afternoon.

The Blues are currently enjoying a six-point buffer over the Stripes. Victory today would assure them of a place in the UEFA Cup and focus better on the FA Trophy semi-final against Msida St Joseph next month.

Besides, Sliema will do their utmost to pick all points and avoid handing the title to Marsaxlokk a day earlier than expected.

Coach Ray Farrugia is still without the injured Ian Ciantar but wingback Alex Muscat has recovered enough to be named in the squad. Defender Jeffrey Chetcuti is ruled out by suspension.

Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg must have had a tough task to lift his players' morale after the 3-2 defeat to Marsaxlokk, which saw the Stripes conceding the southerners' winner in the last minute after having led 2-0.

Victory is essential for Birkirkara as they look to maintain the four-point gap on Valletta.

Jonathan Holland returns to the team after missing the Marsa-xlokk match through suspension but defender Roderick Sammut must serve suspension. Wingback Lino Galea is rated as doubtful with a hamstring injury.

Results so far: Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara 3-3, 1-0, 1-2.

Valletta vs Hibernians (tomorrow at 3 p.m., National Stadium)

Valletta will be out to stay in the running for a top-three finish with victory over Hibernians. To attain that goal the Citizens must bring to an end a negative run against the Paolites this season as they still have to record a win after three meetings.

Coach Paul Zammit was heartened by the lively display of his young players in the draw against Sliema Wanderers and will hope for more of the same tomorrow afternoon.

Battling midfielder Keith Fenech is out through suspension and should be replaced by the fully-recovered Uzeh Edafe. Jonathan Bondin is unavailable with a knee injury while a thigh strain has ruled out striker Richmar Siberie. Dylan Zarb and Steve Bezzina are back in the squad.

Hibernians go into the match in high spirits after last week's 2-0 victory over Msida St Joseph which ended a run of four matches without a win.

Coach Robert Gatt was pleased to see his young players finally showing their true mettle and will be hoping they keep the same consistency as they prepare for their FA Trophy semi-final against the same Citizens on May 18.

Striker Terrence Scerri is the only doubt for the Paolites as the forward is short of fitness.

Results so far: Valletta vs Hibernians 1-3, 1-2, 2-2.