Brazilian striker Bueno set for Tarxien debut

Vittoriosa vs Sliema (today at 15.00, National Stadium).

Sliema Wanderers have high hopes of staying on the winning trail when they face Vittoriosa Stars.

The Blues’ 3-1 win over Ħamrun in their last match before the international break was their first of the season but Vittoriosa are still without a point after three games.

Mark Marlow, the Sliema coach, is expected to name Roderick Bajada in his squad as the midfielder has now recovered from a cruciate operation.

Alex Muscat (cruciate) and Clayton Failla (groin) are still on the casualty list for Sliema.

Left-back Steve Bezzina, yet to make his debut for Sliema, was due to have surgery in Germany yesterday to heal a nagging hernia injury.

Vittoriosa, who suffered a late goal in their 1-0 defeat to Tarxien, will probably be without Brazilian midfielder Edison who has a hamstring strain. Jonathan Xerri is also sidelined with injury.

Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows (today at 17.00, National Stadium).

Qormi and Tarxien are expected to go all out to emerge with three points and improve their position in the standings.

Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Valletta in their last outing, Qormi earned the plaudits for a spirited display. Coach Stephen Azzopardi will be hoping that his team build on that showing as Qormi chase their second league victory.

Luke Sciberras is out with a knee injury while South Korean Kang Ho Jung may be unavailable.

Tarxien are buoyed by the availability of Daniel Mariano Bueno. The highly-rated Brazilian forward, who has returned for a second spell with the Rainbows, is expected to make his seasonal debut today after Tarxien were given the all-clear by FIFA to register the player.

Noel Coleiro’s optimism seems justified as his options are also boosted by the return from injury of forward Sergio Pacheco.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana (tomorrow at 15.00, National Stadium).

Ħamrun Spartans and Floriana are determined to bounce back from defeats to Sliema and Marsaxlokk respectively.

A late Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza double condemned the Spartans to their first loss this season while Floriana slipped to their second defeat after conceding a late goal from a penalty in their match against Marsaxlokk.

Young midfielder Mead Mifsud is sidelined with injury but Lee James Agius returns for the Spartans who are currently giving a trial to Nigerian forward Peter Anizoba.

Floriana coach Todor Raykov will be hoping that the return from suspension of fellow Bulgarian countryman Kiril Dzhorov will lift his side.

Sacha Borg is unlikely to figure for the Greens as he is struggling with an ankle problem.

Marsaxlokk vs Hibs (tomorrow at 17.00, National Stadium).

Hibernians have a tough task to return to winning ways as they will be up against Marsaxlokk, still unbeaten after three games.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, will encourage his players to channel their frustration at the last-minute 2-1 upset to Birkirkara into a determined performance tomorrow.

“Losing to Birkirkara didn’t affect our morale because we did well as a team,” Andrew Cohen, the Hibs playmaker, said.

“I’m optimistic about our chances. There are no ifs and buts, only a win will do for us.”

Cohen is expected to shake off a slight knock he took to his quad during training while Ryan Camilleri is struggling with hamstring trouble.

Veteran Marsaxlokk midfielder Peter Pullicino can’t line up against his former club as he must serve a one-match ban.

Argentine striker Julio Alcorse, another ex-Hibs player, is doubtful after picking up a knock in Marsa-xlokk’s 1-0 win over Floriana.

“This will be a difficult match but we’ll do our best to maintain our unbeaten start,” Patrick Curmi, the Marsaxlokk coach, said.

“We’re pleased about our defensive record but we’re also aware that, at some stage, we will concede a goal. We just have to keep believing in our potential.”