Qormi and Tarxien Rainbows will be looking to open their account in the Championship Pool when they meet at the Tedesco Stadium this evening (kick-off 19.30).

After their bright performances in the first phase of the season, both Qormi and Tarxien were expected to offer a stiffer challenge in the top-six pool but back-to-back defeats have dampened their fans' optimism.

Qormi have slipped eight points adrift of pace-setters Valletta and Birkirkara after losing to Hibs (1-0) and Birkirkara (2-0).

Jesmond Zerafa, the Qormi coach, expects a strong response from his players against the Rainbows today as they look to stay in the hunt for qualification to European football next season.

Jonathan Bondin is the only absentee for Qormi today as the right-back is suspended following his red card in last weekend's reverse to Birkirkara.

Qormi's task will be far from plainsailing as they will be up against a Tarxien side who are also keen to bounce back from their upsets to Valletta (6-2) and Sliema Wanderers (2-0).

With the Rainbows having reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy and the semi-finals of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup, coach Noel Coleiro is eager to steer his team to their first win in the Championship Pool as he looks to lift Tarxien's form ahead of their cup commitments.

The Rainbows coach is boosted by the return of Brazilian playmaker Denni Rocha Dos Santos but fellow countryman Anderson Ribeiro is set to miss out with a foot injury.

Results so far: Tarxien Rainbows vs Qormi 1-2, 2-0.

Programme

Today: (Tedesco Stadium) 19.30 Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows.

Tomorrow: (National Stadium) 14.00. Birkirkara vs Hibs; 16.00 Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta.

Sunday: (Hibs Stadium) 14.00. Dingli Swallows vs Ħamrun Spartans; 16.00 Floriana vs Msida St Joseph.