The other matches this weekend

Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara (today, National Stadium at 3 p.m.).
After moving above Sliema Wanderers in fourth place, Marsaxlokk have now set their sights on bridging the gap with third-placed Birkirkara when the two rivals meet this afternoon.

The southerners come into this game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run and are just four points adrift of Birkirkara.

Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi has made no secret of his ambition to steer his team into the elite positions and victory against the inconsistent Stripes would put them firmly on track to reach their objective.

Curmi has an almost a full squad at his disposal as Clive Brincat is back after recovering from injury while midfielder Peter Pullicino returns from suspension. Dylan Kokavessis and Arnold Buttigieg are still out with long-term injuries.

Birkirkara have had little to smile about in recent weeks as four defeats in their last five outings left them in danger of losing third place in the standings.

Coach John Buttigieg must cope without Bulgarian defender Ivaylo Sokolov who is out with a one-match ban while Angus Buhagiar and Lee Lombardi are still recovering from injuries.

Results this season: Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 1-1, 2-3, 1-2.

Floriana vs Valletta (today, National Stadium at 5 p.m.).
Valletta's title ambitions face a tricky test this afternoon when the Citizens take on fierce rivals Floriana.

There is no love lost between these two neighbouring rivals and Floriana are certainly relishing the prospect of denting Valletta's title charge after holding the champions to a goalless draw in the corresponding Championship Pool first round fixture.

Since that setback, Valletta have not dropped a single point, successive victories over Marsaxlokk (1-0), Hibernians (2-1), Sliema (3-0) and Birkirkara (4-1) taking them to just one point behind the Paolites.

Coach Paul Zammit will be hoping that his team maintain their impressive form of late as they look to go top for at least 48 hours before Hibs' match against Sliema on Monday.

The Citizens are sure to be without Brazilian striker Paulo Massaro who suffered a knee injury against Birkirkara but on the plus side, goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is back in training after recovering from a knee injury. The Malta goalkeeper is set for a recall to the first team today.

Floriana coach Tony Alamango is boosted by the news that attacking duo Ryan Darmanin and Christian Caruana are close to recovering full fitness after injuries kept them out of their teams last few matches. Luke Agius (hernia) and Steve Bonnici (ankle) are unfit.

Results this season: Valletta vs Floriana 2-1, 1-0, 0-0.

Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (Monday, National Stadium at 7.30 p.m.).
Hibernians will be looking to extend their stay at the top of the standings when they take on a depleted Sliema Wanderers side on Monday.

The Paolites are currently one point ahead of Valletta and victory over the Wanderers would guarantee that Mark Miller's men stay in contention for the league title till their final league fixture against the citizens on May 24.

Last Saturday, Hibs rediscovered their winning touch when they eased past Floriana 2-0. Miller must be hoping that last weekend's victory has lifted his players' confidence as they look to stave off Valletta's strong bid for the championship.

The Hibs coach is sweating on the fitness of chief striker Terrence Scerri, who is struggling with a groin injury, and youngster Jean Paul Farrugia who picked up a knee injury agaist Floriana. Adrian Pulis could return after recovering from a hamstring problem but Aaron Xuereb and Ben Camilleri are still out of the equation.

Sliema, on their part, face a tough task against the Paolites as they will be without a number of first-choice players. Midfielder Roderick Bajada and striker Ivan Woods are suspended while Mark Scerri (ankle), Victor Coto (ankle) and Simon Agius (knee) are unfit.

Midfielder Daniel Severino will not be considered for selection after falling out with the Sliema hierarchy who turned down his request to return home for family reasons.

Results this season: Sliema W. vs Hibs 3-2, 0-1, 0-5.