The other Premier League matches this weekend

Tarxien Rainbows vs Qormi (today at 15.00, National Stadium)

Bottom of the table with 11 points, Qormi must win this match against Tarxien Rainbows to keep their flickering survival hopes alive.

Tarxien will be equally determined to gain the three points knowing that victory would go a long way towards easing their relegation fears.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, can't pick the same team as in last weekend's 0-0 draw with Msida as defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino is suspended after his red card against the Saints.

Mark Tanti has recovered from the injury that forced him to leave the field in the first half of the game against Msida.

Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa is hoping that his players channel their disappointment at the 2-1 defeat to Ħamrun Spartans into a positive and determined display against Tarxien.

Midfielder Adrian Ciantar is out through suspension. Brazilian striker Josivan Da Silva is still ranked doubtful and Anatole Debono is unfit.

Previous results - Tarxien vs Qormi 0-3,0-1, 2-1.

Marsaxlokk vs Floriana (today at 17.00, National Stadium)

Marsaxlokk and Floriana will regard their encounter as an opportunity to improve their position in the table. The Blues, currently fifth in the table, will join Sliema Wanderers on the 17-point mark if they see off Floriana whereas the latter will leapfrog their impending opponents if they emerge victorious today.

Forward Dylan Kokavessis is sidelined with a cartilage injury but otherwise, Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi has no selection worries.

Floriana coach Tony Alamango must make at least two changes from his starting formation in the 1-1 draw with Sliema. Christian Caruana is ruled out by suspension and Brazilian forward Paolo Rogerio Da Silva is no longer part of the Floriana squad after the club terminated his contract.

On the positive side, Alamango is hopeful of having captain Ryan Darmanin back in the fray. The lanky striker missed last Sunday's Old Firm duel after injuring his adductor muscle but he's expected to declare himself fit to play this afternoon.

Previous results - Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 1-3, 2-1.

Msida St Joseph vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 15.00, National Stadium)

These two relegation strugglers will lock horns for the last time this season and possibly for the next two years if one of them is demoted to Division One in a few weeks' time.

Judging by the current state of things, Msida are the likelier side to lose their Premier League status but such scenario could change if they manage to beat Ħamrun tomorrow.

On the other hand, victory would all but secure the Spartans' top-flight seat for another season.

Msida's already thin resources have been further depleted by the one-match ban imposed on Brazilian forward Pedro Calcado and defender Kenneth Spiteri.

To make matters worse for coach Joe Abdilla, Andrew Spiteri is facing a long spell on the sidelines after rupturing cruciate ligaments in his left knee during last weekend's 0-0 draw against Tarxien.

Stephen D'Amato, the Ħamrun coach, must make do without captain Rupert Mangion who is suspended. Ryan Fenech has shaken off a groin strain and Mark Anthony Bonnici is expected to make the squad after sitting out the win over Qormi due to injury.

Previous results - Msida vs Ħamrun 3-2, 0-1, 0-3.

Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara (tomorrow at 17.00, National Stadium)

Birkirkara have all but slipped out of the title race after their 2-0 loss to Hibs on Monday. This was the Stripes' second successive defeat and failure to arrest the slump could weaken their grip on third place.

Sliema Wanderers will cut the gap on Birkirkara to two points if they prevail in tomorrow's direct encounter.

Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg is buoyed by the return from suspension of Ron Hartvig and Shawn Bajada but Angus Buhagiar is out of the picture with an ankle injury.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Sliema coach, hopes to recover Ian Azzopardi after the Malta defender missed the last two matches with an ankle problem. Mark Scerri (knee), Branko Nisevic (calf) and reserve goalkeeper Simon Agius (knee) are still on the casualty list while Italian Samsiro Furfaro is doubtful.

Previous results - Birkirkara vs Sliema Wanderers 4-2, 3-2.