Tricky test for Stripes as pressure mounts on Hibs

Msida St Joseph vs Birkirkara (today - 2 p.m., National Stadium).

Championship Pool hopefuls Birkirkara face a tricky test this afternoon when facing Msida St Joseph.

No result other than a victory will do for the Stripes, currently sixth with 22 points. They have to win this match to steal a march on mid-table sides Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians in the race for top-six berths.

Birkirkara are again without midfielder Adrian Ciantar and defender Lee Lombardi, both recovering from knee injuries.

Msida will be no pushovers as they are coming into the match on the back of three encouraging performances that lifted the morale in Patrick Curmi's clan.

Mathematically, Msida are still in the race for the Championship Pool but very unlikely to make the cut as they are languishing in eighth place and eight points behind Birkirkara.

Still, Curmi's target in the remaining four matches is to win as many points as possible to start the second phase on a sound footing.

Msida will be without the suspended Stefano Grima but likely to give a first appearance to goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri and defender Kenneth Spiteri who joined the club this month.

First round: Birkirkara vs Msida 1-1.

Mqabba vs Marsaxlokk (tomorrow - 1 p.m., Hibs Ground).

Marsaxlokk look odds on favourites to beat lowly Mqabba and seal their place in the Championship Pool.

The champions are in high spirits at the moment after starting 2008 with three convincing victories over Birkirkara (3-1), Floriana (4-1) and Hibernians (5-0) that lifted them to second place in the standings. Victory tomorrow will make sure of their place in the top six besides keeping the pace with leaders Valletta.

New signing Alexandar Madzar will make his debut for Marsaxlokk after his move from Sliema Wanderers. Defender William Camenzuli is still unavailable.

Mqabba are rock bottom in the standings. They will be hoping for a good showing tomorrow ahead of their upcoming clashes with direct rivals Msida St Joseph and Pietà Hotspurs next month.

Mqabba are without two key players for this match as Italo Nogueira and Claudio Calleja will serve suspension.

First round: Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba 1-0.

Hibernians vs Pietà Hotspurs (tomorrow at 3 p.m., Hibs Ground).

Pressure is mounting on Hibernians following the 5-0 drubbing to Marsaxlokk that left them in serious dangerous of missing the cut.

Placed seventh on 21 points, one behind Birkirkara who have played a game less, Hibernians are fully aware that they need to take maximum spoils from this match to get back in the reckoning.

Hibs will play without regular goalkeeper Mario Muscat and Nigerian midfielder Uzeh Edafe who must serve a one-match.

On the plus side, striker Terence Scerri is set to return to lead his side's forward line after missing the previous match through suspension.

The Hotspurs cannot give away any favours either as they, too, are in dire need of points at the lower end of the standings. They hit a bad patch lately, losing their last six matches.

Pietà duo Glanville Goodlip and Pierre Aquilina are still recovering from injury.

First round: Pietà Hotspurs vs Hibernians 0-2.