Dzhorov’s one-match ban angers Floriana

Tarxien vs Vittoriosa (today at 17.00, National Stadium).
This is a clash between two teams still without a win after two matches.

After gaining a point in a goalless stalemate with Marsaxlokk, Tarxien went down 3-1 to Ħamrun in their last outing.

Newly-promoted Vittoriosa are still looking for their first point after back-to-back defeats to Valletta and Qormi.

Sergio Pacheco is still struggling with a hamstring injury but the midfielder could be included in Tarxien’s squad today.

The Rainbows are still awaiting FIFA’s ruling on their request to register Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno who has severed his links with Polish club Odra Wodzislaw Slaski.

Vittoriosa are boosted by the return of midfielder Carlinos who served his one-match ban in the 4-2 upset to Qormi. Defender Steve Wellman is also back in the fray after recovering from a knee injury.

Flank defender Pierre Aquilina is rated doubtful with a neck problem.

Valletta vs Qormi (today at 19.00, National Stadium).
Coming from a two-all draw with Hibs, Valletta will be gunning to get back in winning groove when they meet Qormi.

The Citizens start favourites to clinch all points but the new-look Qormi side received a timely boost last week when they recorded their first victory of the season at the expense of Vittoriosa.

Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa has to make do without captain Gilbert Agius who is out with a calf injury.

Jonathan Caruana was stretchered off after suffering a head wound in an aerial clash with Hibs’ Aaron Xuereb. The Malta defender is expected to return to Valletta’s first-team today.

Roderick Briffa is an injury doubt for the Citizens while Kenneth Scicluna is still recovering from a double-groin operation.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Qormi coach, has no selection problems. Brazilian defender Vinicius da Silva is in contention for a place in the squad after Qormi deposited his registration papers with the MFA following the arrival of his transfer certificate.

Floriana vs Marsaxlokk (tomorrow at 17.00, National Stadium).
Floriana midfielder Kiril Dzhorov was yesterday suspended for one match for his exuberant goal celebration in the 2-0 victory over Birkirkara.

The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner’s decision to impose a one-match ban on the Bulgarian, who this week made an apology for celebrating his goal in front of the opposing fans, irked Floriana.

The Greens said in a statement that it’s unfair that Dzhorov has been suspended “when other inappropriate and, at times, worse incidents go unpunished”.

Floriana also complained that they had only learnt of Dzhorov’s suspension from the MFA’s website and called for a review of the procedure with regards to disciplinary measures.

Apart from Dzhorov, coach Todor Raykov could also be without Tyrone Farrugia who suffered a knee injury in the Birkirkara match.

Raykov is also concerned about the fitness of Christian Caruana and Michael Mecerod.

Marsaxlokk, who have yet to find the net this season, are expected to be at full strength tomorrow.

Julio Alcorse and Peter Pullicino were hampered by minor injuries during the week but both are expected to recover in time to face Floriana.

Sliema vs Ħamrun (tomorrow at 19.00, National Stadium).

Ħamrun, the only team with maximum points after two matches, will be looking to hold on to top spot when they meet Sliema. The Blues are seeking their first win after claiming one point from two matches.

Steve D’Amato, the Ħamrun coach, could give a debut to Jovan Vukanic after the Spartans completed the registration of the Serb defender. Midfielder Lee James Agius is out with a leg injury.

Sliema suffered a fresh blow last weekend when wing-back Clayton Failla aggravated a groin injury that could keep him out for two months.

Left-back Steve Bezzina, who has yet to make his first start since joining from Valletta, is also sidelined with a groin problem.

On a positive note, John Mintoff returns for Sliema after suspension kept him out of the draw against Marsaxlokk and striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza is also available for selection.