Valletta and Hibernians eye top spot

Valletta and Hibernians play their remaining match from the first round of the championship when they face promoted duo Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows respectively between today and tomorrow.

These two fixtures were originally planned for November 15 but had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Hibs Ground.

At first, both games were scheduled for the Centenary Stadium. However, due to security reasons, the MFA decided to relocate today's encounter between Qormi and Valletta to the National Stadium.

There was no change of venue, however, for tomorrow's derby between Hibernians and Tarxien.

Champions Valletta will fancy their chances of prolonging their unbeaten run when they face third-from-bottom Qormi this evening.

Paul Zammit's team are favourites to get back to winning ways. Saturday's goalless draw against Sliema Wanderers came after three consecutive victories. Maximum spoils at Qormi's expense would propel the champions to the top of the standings for the first time this season.

"We have to adopt the right attitude for this match," Valletta coach Paul Zammit told The Times.

"On paper, we are favourites for the win but it would be stupid if we had to be complacent. Despite, their position in the standings, Qormi lost a couple of close matches and played at a par with some of the top teams this season."

Valletta are boosted by the return of captain Gilbert Agius but Jamie Pace is doubtful with a muscle strain. Midfielders Edmund Agius and Stefan Giglio are still recovering from injuries.

Qormi will be without chief goalscorer Alfred Effiong. The Nigerian has been ruled out for at least six weeks after fracturing his foot in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Marsaxlokk. Skipper Joseph Farrugia is still plagued by injury.

"This is a very tough match for us," Zerafa said.

"Valletta are the best team in the Premier League. However, I'm encouraged by the fact that we have always done pretty well against the top teams."

Valletta's stay at the top of the standings, if they beat Qormi, could last for just 24 hours though as tomorrow Hibs can go two points clear at the top if they beat Tarxien.

The Paolites are on cloud nine following an impressive 6-0 beating of Birkirkara last week.

"I told the lads to take off their minds the result in our previous match against Birkirkara... it may leave an adverse effect," Miller said.

"Beating Birkirkara was a great result for us but we must keep our feet firmly on the ground. I still think, Tarxien are a dangerous team."

Miller has no injury worries but would have preferred to play at the National Stadium instead.

"I'm disappointed that we have to play on artificial turf at the Centenary Stadium," he said.

"We don't think it was fair treatment on us. Hibs are one of the top teams in the league and should be treated like any other top team."

Meanwhile, Tarxien coach Noel Coleiro is sweating on the fitness of striker Daniel Mariano Bueno while defender Ivan Carapic must serve a one-match ban.

Fixtures

Today (National Stadium): 18.30 Qormi vs Valletta.

Tomorrow (Centenary Stadium): 18.30 Hibs vs Tarxien.