Other matches

Hibernians vs Birkirkara (today at 16.20, National Stadium)

Buoyed by a 7-2 mauling of rivals Tarxien, Hibs have good reason to be positive about their chances of beating Birkirkara to secure top spot at the end of the first phase.

Birkirkara are expected to offer a stiff challenge to the Paolites but their 3-2 defeat to Marsaxlokk on Monday has raised serious doubts about their mental resilience.

A win for Birkirkara would help to soften the disappointment of their 6-0 humiliation to Hibs in the reverse fixture and strengthen their morale ahead of their FA Trophy semi-final against Valletta next weekend.

Striker Michael Galea is making fast progress from the injury he suffered against Sliema and could return for Birkirkara today.

For Hibs, Andrew Cohen is rated as doubtful after picking up a knock in the match against Tarxien. Aaron Xuereb is sidelined with a groin injury. On the plus side, Uzeh Edafe is expected to be in the Hibs squad after the Nigerian was re-signed by the Paolites as a replacement for the departed Alexis Tekumu Mbongo.

First round result - Hibs vs Birkirkara 6-0.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Floriana (tomorrow at 13.30, Tedesco Stadium).

Floriana are coming from a 1-0 defeat to rivals Valletta but on Sunday they received a much-needed psychological fillip as Msida's defeat to Sliema secured the Greens' place in the Championship Pool.

Good news has been in short supply for bottom team Tarxien who are still reeling from the 7-2 rout to Hibs last weekend.

Brazilian forward Denny Dos Santos is expected to return for Tarxien as coach Noel Coleiro has a full squad at his disposal. Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Andrew Decesare are back in the reckoning for a first-team spot after suspension forced them out of Sunday's derby.

Floriana defender Julian Briffa must serve a one-match ban but the options at the disposal of Brazilian coach Antonio Vieira are boosted by the return from suspension of Pablo Doffo, Christian Caruana and Joseph Borg.

The Floriana players are expected to wear black armbands today as a mark of respect for former vice-president Neville Fenech who passed away on Thursday.

First round result - Floriana vs Tarxien 3-1.

Sliema Wanderers vs Qormi (tomorrow at 15.30, Tedesco Stadium).

Sliema Wanderers can breathe more easily now after securing their place in the Championship Pool with a 3-0 win over Msida.

Not so can be said of Qormi. Jesmond Zerafa's team were showered with praise for their gallant display in holding Valletta to a goalless draw but they fluffed their lines badly in a 4-1 rout to Hamrun Spartans in their following match.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema coach, is not expected to make significant changes to the team that thumped Msida last weekend. Striker Ivan Woods can't play for the Blues tomorrow as he's out with an ankle injury.

Qormi's dismal showing against the Spartans is likely to tempt coach Zerafa to revamp his formation. Massimo Grima and Anatole Debono are ruled out by a one-match ban, Adrian Ciantar is struggling with a hamstring injury and Josivan Da Silva is doubtful.

First round result - Sliema vs Qormi 2-1.

Hamrun Spartans vs Valletta (Monday at 19.30, National Stadium).

This is going to be the last meeting between Valletta and Hamrun Spartans this season after the latter missed out on a place in the Championship Pool.

Valletta, who trail leaders Hibs by one point, start as favourites to complete a double of victories over the Spartans but they would do well not to underestimate their opponents.

Having gained maximum points from their last two matches, the Spartans know that another positive result against the Whites would boost their confidence levels ahead of the Relegation Pool.

Stephen D'Amato, the Hamrun coach, is concerned about the fitness of Mano Micallef who is recovering from a bout of flu. Mark Anthony Bonnici is out with an ankle problem.

Valletta coach Paul Zammit must make at least one change from the team that edged Floriana last week as Edmond Agius is suspended. Sebastian Monesterolo is still struggling to shake off a knee injury. Cameroon forward Priso Doding is available after seeing out his one-match ban against Floriana.

First round result - Valletta vs Hamrun Spartans 4-0.