The weekend's other matches

Valletta vs Qormi (today at 14.00, National Stadium)

Valletta and Qormi have good reason to be cheerful ahead of this match but their optimism owes to different reasons.

While Valletta secured their confidence booster on the field of play after coming back from the death to beat rivals Floriana on penalties in the FA Trophy, Qormi have been heartened by the news that their protest against Floriana had been upheld. This meant that Qormi earned three useful points which may prove crucial in their battle to avoid the drop.

Paul Zammit, the Valletta coach, is not expected to make significant changes from the team he fielded in the Trophy quarter-final but Paulo Massaro will fancy his chances of earning a starting role after his well-taken brace kept the Citizens' double dream alive.

Midfielder Stefan Giglio must serve a one-match ban. City captain Gilbert Agius and Luke Dimech could be rested if Zammit detects tiredness in both players after their exertions for club and country in the last eight days.

Qormi are now fourth from bottom, level with Marsaxlokk on 13 points. Coach Jesmond Zerafa has no selection problems but has yet to decide whether to recall Alfred Effiong to the squad as the Nigerian has almost completed his recovery from a fractured foot.

First round - Valletta vs Qormi 2-0.

Marsaxlokk vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 13.30, Tedesco Stadium)

With only a few weeks remaining before the start of the Relegation Pool, these two strugglers will surely do their utmost to emerge on top from this head-on duel.

Marsaxlokk will be gunning to stay on the winning trail after beating Ħamrun 3-2 to book their place in the FA Trophy semi-finals.

Tarxien were knocked out by Birkirkara but they must be relishing the prospect of extending their winning run in the league to three matches.

Patrick Curmi, the Marsaxlokk coach, must find a replacement for Malcolm Licari who is suspended. Claude Mattocks is also out of the equation as he has started an additional eight-month ban following a CAS ruling for a doping offence.

Tarxien's Ryan Grech had already served a nine-month ban for doping but he must now spend another three months on the sidelines following the same CAS decision.

Brazilian Denni is still doubtful for Tarxien but coach Noel Coleiro is boosted by the return to fitness of Andrew Decesare, Manuel Caruana and Luke Vella Critien.

First round - Tarxien vs Marsaxlokk 3-1.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Msida (tomorrow at 15.30, Tedesco Stadium)

Relegation strugglers Ħamrun Spartans are keen to halt a negative run of three consecutive defeats when they lock horns with rivals Msida St Joseph.

For their part, Msida will be looking to win the three points to secure their place in the Championship Pool.

Aaron Attard is suspended for the Spartans and Neville Galea is still recovering from injury but otherwise coach Steve D'Amato has no selection problems.

Msida coach Joe Abdilla is hopeful of having Pedro Dos Santos Calcado available for this match. The Brazilian is set to join a club in China in the coming weeks but he had promised Msida to play against Ħamrun.

Defender Stacey Vella is out with a one-match ban.

First round - Msida SJ vs Ħamrun 3-2.

Comvalius - Player of the Month

The first winner of the BOV Player of the Month award for 2009 is Ħamrun Spartans striker Sylvano Comvalius. The honour was the result of his consistency and good performances in his role as one of the Spartans' key players in attack.

Karl Spiteri, Manager Marketing at BOV, presented the trophy to Comvalius.

Comvalius's scoring technique resulted in him netting three goals in two matches against Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara last month. This has provided his team with more scoring punch and a sense of optimism as they seek to salvage their status in the top flight.

The Dutchman selected St Joseph's Home as the beneficiary of the cash donation is awarded by the bank in relation to the award.