City, Hibs look to maintain perfect start

Tarxien Rainbows vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 16.00, National Stadium)

Sliema are hoping that their first victory in three matches heralds the start of a positive run but the Blues must clearly play better than they did in the 2-0 defeat of Msida to bolster their title prospects.

This afternoon, Sliema face Tarxien who have high hopes of challenging for a top-six finish.

On paper, Sliema are favourites to win but Tarxien are cautiously upbeat about their chances, moreso after the Blues' lacklustre showing on Wednesday.

Tarxien, who felt hard done by certain decisions taken by referee Adrian Azzopardi in their last two matches, are buoyed by the return from injury of goalkeeper Anthony Curmi.

Stephen Azzopardi can't bank on a full squad. Wing-back Alex Muscat is out after aggravating a thigh injury while midfielder Mark Scerri is doubtful after hurting his ankle against Msida.

The Sliema coach is also ex-pected to check on the fitness of Ian Ciantar after the defender injured his shoulder in midweek.

Valletta vs Msida St Joseph (today at 18.00, National Stadium)

Valletta should make it four wins out of four when they meet Msida.

The Citizens appear to possess too much ammunition for the limited Saints but the latter's improved display against Sliema will have enhanced the players' self-confidence.

Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, was at the stadium on Wednesday to assess Msida. As today's match is, theoretically, Valletta's first meeting with one of the Premier League minnows, Caanen might be tempted to refresh things and give some of the fringe players a start.

Caanen said: "The players are eager to get back to business, especially after the long break we've had. We've made a good start but it's important to maintain our winning run."

Msida can't wait to field Olushola Aganun but his participation today is still in doubt as the club were still awaiting the all-clear from Malta FA president Joe Mifsud to deposit the Nigerian striker's documents at the association's offices.

Mark Marlow, the Msida coach, is likely to keep faith with the team that started Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Sliema. Ryan Xuereb is still sidelined with injury while Neville Arpa is unlikely to start as he's still recovering from flu.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana (tomorrow at 16.00, National Stadium)

This is a direct encounter between two teams who have had a difficult start to the season.

Ħamrun are still adapting to life in the Premier League after being reinstated to the top flight following the demotion of Marsaxlokk.

The Spartans have lost their opening matches, 2-1 to Birkirkara and 4-2 to Hibernians.

Floriana only gained two points from their first three games with injuries to key personnel adding to coach Roddy Collins's troubles.

Earlier this week, the Greens did receive a boost when Brian Said opted to join them but the Malta defender is out of the equation tomorrow as he must serve a one-match ban.

Said missed Marsaxlokk's defeat to Hibs but because that match has since been declared null, the veteran's one-match suspension has been re-activated.

Sunday Eboh and Christian Cassar are sidelined for a long period after injuring their cruciate ligaments in the 6-0 rout to Valletta.

Stephen D'Amato, the Spartans coach, also has his fair share of selection worries as Mano Micallef is suspended and Jonathan Holland and Mark Anthony Bonnici are recovering from injuries. Defender John Debattista is doubtful but Clyde Camoin is expected to declare himself fit to play against his former team.

Qormi vs Hibs (tomorrow at 18.00, National Stadium)

Hibs, like Ħamrun, will play their third match in eight days when they cross swords with high-flying Qormi tomorrow.

This is shaping up as Hibs' most difficult game so far this season as Qormi have had an excellent start, winning seven points from three matches.

As for the champions, they have opened their title defence with victories over Dingli and Ħamrun.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, is hoping that fatigue will not take its toll on his players tomorrow.

Aaron Xuereb, Adrian Pulis, Ben Camilleri and Jonathan Pearson are still recovering from injuries while Elkien Cauchi is highly doubtful after picking up a knock in the first half of the 4-2 win over Ħamrun.

For Qormi, defender Sharlon Pace is in line for a recall after a hamstring strain kept him out of last weekend's win over Msida.