Eyes on Hibs-Tarxien derby

Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow, Hibs Ground at 2 p.m.).

An enticing derby is in prospect this weekend as title challengers Hibernians face neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows in tomorrow's only match at Corradino.

This will be the first competitive clash in 11 years between Hibs and Tarxien, both of whom cannot afford to drop any points for different reasons. Second-placed Hibs are gunning for victory to keep up the pressure on leaders Birkirkara while the Rainbows need the three points to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Both teams come into the derby on a high. The Paolites bounced back from their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Floriana in the league with back-to-back victories in the FA Trophy against St George's and Vittoriosa to reach the quarter-finals.

Tarxien, for their part, are on a three-match winning run as they backed their surprising 3-1 league win over Marsaxlokk with successive wins over Mqabba (4-2) and Msida St Joseph (4-2) in the FA Trophy.

Hibs coach Mark Miller is without striker Andrew Cohen who this week had a hernia operation in Germany while defender Adrian Pulis is struggling with a hamstring injury. Jonathan Pearson sits this one out as he must serve a one-match ban.

Tarxien, coached by Noel Coleiro, are without Ramon Schembri who is suspended while Malcolm Buttigieg is unfit.

Sliema Wanderers vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow, Tedesco Stadium at 1.45 p.m.).

Sliema Wanderers will be determined to get back to winning ways when they take on Msida St Joseph in tomorrow's opening match at the Tedesco Stadium.

Inactive for the past four weeks, Sliema will be making their first league appearance since their 4-2 upset to Birkirkara last month, their first defeat this season.

However, their task will be far from straightforward as they face an Msida team who have been in good form recently, suffering just one defeat in their last four league matches to remain well-placed for a Championship Pool berth.

Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi is without midfielder Mark Scerri who is sidelined with a knee injury while striker Kosta Bjedov is rated as doubtful with a troublesome knee.

Msida coach Patrick Curmi almost has a full compliment at his disposal with Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha da Silva ruled out of the match against his former team because of suspension.

Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara (tomorrow, Tedesco Stadium at 3.45 p.m.).

Marsaxlokk face a must-win scenario this weekend when they face leaders Birkirkara in the weekend's closing match.

These two teams were ranked among the favourites for the title but they have experienced contrasting fortunes so far. While the Stripes are sitting on top of the standings, the southerners, despite signing several new players in the summer, are languishing in the bottom part of the standings.

Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot is boosted by the return to fitness of last season's MFA player of the year, Kevin Sammut, who returns to the squad after several weeks out through injury.

Birkirkara are without defender Lee Lombardi who is recovering from a hernia operation but otherwise coach John Buttigieg has a full squad.

The Stripes have yet to find a replacement for Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev who left the club last month. During the four-week break, Birkirkara had a number of overseas players on trial but it looks they are willing to wait until January to sign a new foreign player.