The other matches this weekend

Msida St Joseph vs Qormi (today 4 p.m., National Stadium).

This is a direct clash between two teams whose declared objective for the season is to keep their Premier League status.

Msida come into this match in high spirits after a 4-1 victory over Floriana. Qormi went down 1-0 to Birkirkara last weekend but they should take heart from their bold performance against one of the top teams in the league.

Patrick Curmi, the Msida coach, has no selection worries. Captain Dino Cachia has all but completed his rehabilitation from injury and could be in the squad today.

Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa will also pick his team from a full squad.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Ħamrun Spartans (today at 6 p.m., National Stadium).

A meagre return of one point from four matches has cranked up the pressure on a Ħamrun side who started with high aspirations of breaking into the Premier League's top four.

Their clash with Tarxien Rainbows, who also have one point from four games, has taken on added significance for the Spartans with embattled coach Marco Gerada unhesitatingly acknowledging that failure to win this match would seriously compromise his side's chances of qualifying for the Championship Pool.

Tarxien have set themselves the aim of avoiding the drop and their 2-2 draw with Valletta will surely have raised their confidence.

Ħamrun, beaten 4-1 by Hibs in their last outing, are at full strength. Andrew Decesare is still sidelined but otherwise Tarxien coach Noel Coleiro has no selection problems.

Floriana vs Marsaxlokk (tomorrow at 4 p.m., National Stadium).

Floriana and Marsaxlokk are itching to get back on the winning trail after both failed to gain maximum points from their last matches. The Greens suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Msida while Marsaxlokk figured in a goalless draw with Sliema Wanderers.

Floriana must cope without captain Mauro Brincat who has been given a one-match suspension. Marsaxlokk have no suspended players but coach Brian Talbot has a growing list of injured players.

Argentine striker Julio Alcorse has yet to recover from a hamstring injury and midfielder Christian Cassar is unlikely to play after hurting his ankle during training.

Kevin Sammut is another probable absentee as he is still plagued by a groin problem.

Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (tomorrow at 6 p.m., National Stadium).

Leaders Hibs will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start but their task is compounded by a groin injury to Rumen Galabov and the unavailability of youngster Jean Paul Farrugia, on duty with Malta U-17 in Russia.

Farrugia left a very good impression after coming on for Galabov nine minutes into the 4-1 win over Ħamrun. He capped a fine performance by scoring his side's fourth goal.

Leighton Grech was also on target last weekend but he's doubtful tomorrow after picking up an injury while playing for Malta U-19 team in Slovakia. Andrew Cohen is still sidelined with a groin injury.

Sliema have drawn a blank in their last two outings after goalless draws against Floriana and Marsaxlokk.

Midfielder Mark Scerri has not shaken off the knee injury he suffered against Marsaxlokk and will miss this match.

Costa Rican midfielder Victor Coto is out of contention as Sliema are still waiting to receive his international transfer certificate from Italy.