The other Premier League matches this weekend...

Tarxien Rainbows vs Msida St Joseph (today at 3 p.m., National Stadium).

Msida St Joseph are in a must-win situation. Failure to take maximum points from their clash with Tarxien Rainbows today will increase the relegation threat for the Saints who have lost their last six league matches.

As far as Tarxien are concerned, they will be looking to make another step towards Premier League survival after back-to-back wins took them top of the Relegation Pool on 13 points, two more than their impending opponents.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien Rainbows coach, is not expected to make any changes to the team that trounced Ħamrun Spartans 5-1 last weekend.

Msida St Joseph coach Joe Abdilla had a tough task pepping up his team's morale after a 5-0 loss to Qormi. Kevin Mifsud is an injury doubt for the Saints but otherwise Abdilla can bank on a full complement.

Previous results - Tarxien vs Msida 0-1, 0-2.

Marsaxlokk vs Valletta (today at 5 p.m., National Stadium).

Trailing leaders Hibs by six points, Valletta know that another slip-up against Marsaxlokk this evening would all but extinguish their already slim hopes of retaining the title.

The Citizens are keen to end a run of two matches without a win as a frustrating goalless draw with arch-rivals Floriana followed a 3-1 reverse to Birkirkara, their first and only defeat so far this season.

Valletta coach Paul Zammit's playing resources for today's match have been hit hard by injuries and suspensions.

Cleaven Frendo (cruciate) and Stefan Giglio (shoulder) are out of the picture while goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, midfielder Roderick Briffa and striker Ian Zammit received a one-match ban after last weekend's derby.

Marsaxlokk have long kissed goodbye to their title aspirations but they are still hopeful of a top-four finish. After a few turbulent weeks, the Blues finally had something to cheer about last weekend when they beat Birkirkara 2-1 for their first victory in the Championship Pool.

Coach Patrick Curmi welcomes Christian Cassar back in the fray after the midfielder missed the Birkirkara match through suspension. Defender Arnold Buttigieg is out after picking up an injury in training.

Previous results - Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 0-2, 0-1.

Qormi vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 3 p.m., National Stadium).

Their confidence high after a 5-0 rout of Msida, Qormi are upbeat about their chances of ending their negative record against Ħamrun Spartans this season.

Ħamrun have won their three previous encounters with Qormi this season, two in the league and one in the FA Trophy, but a 5-1 defeat to Tarxien last weekend has been widely viewed as a psychological setback for the Spartans ahead of this delicate clash with Jesmond Zerafa's team.

Brazilian forward Josivan Da Silva is rated doubtful for Qormi but otherwise Zerafa has no selection problems.

Stephen D'Amato, the Spartans coach, is boosted by the return from suspension of defender Roderick Fenech and midfielder Manolito Micallef.

Central midfielder Ryan Fenech and Dutch forward Sylvano Comvalius are expected to recover from minor knocks in time to face Qormi but Mark Anthony Bonnici is unlikely to be fit after suffering a knock to his ribs against Tarxien.

Previous results - Qormi vs Ħamrun 2-3, 1-4.

Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers (tomorrow at 5 p.m., National Stadium).

The Old Firm derby has lost its former lustre as Floriana and Sliema Wanderers have not won a trophy for a number of years now.

A look at the standings would help one understand the perceived lack of interest in tomorrow's match as Sliema lie fourth, 14 points off the top, and Floriana sixth, 18 points behind leaders Hibs.

The Greens did boost their fans' spirits last weekend when holding Valletta to a draw to undermine their rivals' title chances but not so can be said of Sliema who were humiliated 5-0 by Hibs.

German goalkeeper Steffen Suessner is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee problem but otherwise, Floriana coach Tony Alamango can bank on a full squad.

Sliema coach Stephen Azzopardi is widely expected to reshuffle his pack in response to his team's limp display against the Paolites.

Azzopardi is sweating on the fitness of a number of regular players, namely Roderick Bajada, Ian Ciantar, Ian Azzopardi and goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

Defender Branko Nisevic and midfielder Mark Scerri are still out of the equation due to injuries.

Previous results - Floriana vs Sliema 0-0, 3-0.