The other matches this weekend

Sliema vs Tarxien (today at 4 p.m., National Stadium).

On a high after a 3-2 victory over Hibs, Sliema Wanderers start favourites to make it two wins on the trot when they meet Tarxien Rainbows this afternoon.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema coach, is approaching the game with cautious optimism knowing that Tarxien have gained a lot of confidence from successive draws against Valletta (2-2) and Ħamrun Spartans (1-1).

Azzopardi's starting line-up is unlikely to differ much from the one he fielded for the game against the Paolites but Australian midfielder Daniel Severino could earn a first-team recall after his stunning winner last Sunday.

Noel Coleiro, the Rainbows coach, is also expected to confirm the same XI who started Saturday's 1-1 draw against the Spartans. Andrew Decesare is still ruled out by a knee injury.

Marsaxlokk vs Hibs (today at 6 p.m., National Stadium).

Marsaxlokk and Hibs are eager to get back to winning ways after losing their last match.

The Blues have slipped to third from bottom after a second defeat this season at the hands of Floriana. Hibs lost their unbeaten record after going down to Sliema.

Brian Talbot, the Marsaxlokk coach, will call on his players to roll up their sleeves and raise their game, especially most of the new signings who have yet to prove their worth.

Argentine striker Julio Alcorse has resumed training after being sidelined with a hamstring injury and could be in the squad. Midfielder Christian Cassar is also set to return but Malta midfielder Kevin Sammut is still hampered by a persistent groin injury and Trevor Templeman is recuperating from appendix surgery.

Hibs coach Mark Miller also has his fair share of selection problems.

Bulgarian Rumen Galabov has a tear in his groin and could be out for several weeks. Andrew Cohen is also recovering from groin trouble and young Leighton Grech has an ankle injury.

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

Floriana come into this match in high morale after a 3-1 win over Marsaxlokk. Qormi were also suitably satisfied with the result of their last match, a 1-1 draw with Msida St Joseph.

Captain Mauro Brincat is in line for a first-team recall at Floriana as he has served his one-match ban. Coach Zoran Popovic will choose his team from a full squad.

Jesmond Zerafa, the Qormi coach, also has a full compliment. Striker Chucks Nwoko is available after shaking off the knock he suffered in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Msida.

Valletta vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow at 6 p.m., National Stadium).

This being their last match before the international break, champions Valletta will be adamant to snap a sequence of three successive draws with a victory.

Failure to take the three points would increase the pressure on the Citizens and their task promises to be anything but straightforward as they face an improving Msida team that have taken four points from their last two matches.

Moreover, the Reds will be keen to get a positive result in what will be coach Patrick Curmi's 100th Premier League game.

Paul Zammit, the Valletta coach, was due to assess the physical condition of three key players yesterday. Captain Gilbert Agius suffered a minor injury while training with the national squad earlier this week, left-back Steve Bezzina is still hampered by a thigh strain and Kenneth Scicluna is recovering from illness.

Cleaven Frendo is in line to earn a place in the Valletta squad after making rapid progress in his rehabilitation from an ankle problem.

Curmi can bank on a full squad with captain Dino Cachia now back to full fitness.