Double Agius blow for Citizens

Champions Valletta have been dealt a double blow in the build-up to their Premier League match against Sliema Wanderers with the news that Gilbert Agius and Edmond Agius have been ruled out of Saturday's clash.

Skipper Agius must skip the match after he received a one-match ban by the Malta FA yesterday. He has been suspended after collecting a fourth yellow card in City's 4-0 victory over Ħamrun Spartans last weekend.

Edmond Agius is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks after hurting his right shoulder on Saturday. The ex-Hibernians midfielder suffered the injury after falling awkwardly following an abrasive penalty area challenge by Ħamrun defender Zoran Levnaic.

On the plus side, Valletta are hopeful of having wingers Cleaven Frendo and Dyson Falzon back after both made significant progress in their rehabilitation from injuries.

Meanwhile, Ħamrun's Levnaic was handed a one-match ban as the yellow card he received against Valletta was his fourth of the season. Qormi midfielder Joseph Chetcuti and Msida defender Stacey Vella were also handed a one-match suspension yesterday.

New dates

The Malta FA has altered the sequence of two Premier League fixtures which have been rescheduled for next week after being postponed last month because of bad weather.

Qormi vs Valletta has been brought forward from Thursday to Wednesday and will be played at the National Stadium instead of the Centenary Stadium.

The derby between Hibernians and Tarxien Rainbows, originally scheduled for next Wednesday, will now take place on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium.

Both matches will kick off at 6.30 p.m.