Crucial match for league strugglers

Marsaxlokk vs Floriana (today 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Buoyed by their dramatic qualification to the Championship Pool, Marsaxlokk will be looking to make further inroads in the classification when they face third-placed Floriana.

Despite it being only the opening match from the top-six group, the final result could still have a huge bearing on both teams’ aspirations of a place in Europe.

With just two points separating them in the standings, Marsaxlokk are aware that victory today could lift them ahead of Floriana in the standings.

Marsaxlokk are boosted by the return of Gareth Sciberras, Martin Deanov, Rumen Galabov and Andrew Spiteri who missed the 2-2 draw against Qormi through suspension. Malcolm Licari is out with a one-match ban.

Floriana want to bring to a halt a recent slide of three successive defeats.

Coach Todor Raykov can bank on the club’s latest recruits, Egyptian striker Mohammed El Yamani and English goalkeeper Matthew Towns. The Greens are also in talks to sign Italian defender Mauro di Lello.

Raykov has yet to check on the fitness of striker Daniel Nwoke still recovering from a knee injury.

Results so far: Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 0-1, 3-0.

Hibernians vs Vittoriosa (tomorrow 2 p.m., National Stadium).

This is a crunch match between two struggling teams at the lower end of the standings.

Victory for the Stars would see them surpass the Paolites in the standings and throw the relegation dogfight wide open. On the other hand, a Hibs win would put them five points clear of their fellow club in distress.

Winston Muscat, the Vittoriosa coach, says this clash is pivotal for the rest of the season.

“It’s a make-or-break situation for us,” Muscat said.

“This match will give a clear indication whether we have what it takes to keep our place in the Premier League. Our biggest problem is that we are conceding too many goals in the latter stages of our matches.

“The same happened against Ħamrun. So far, we lost 12 points after conceding late goals.”

Vittoriosa’s Leighton Grech starts a two-match ban and goalkeeper Simon Agius is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, is urging his players to start showing some consistency at this delicate stage of the season.

“We must perform adequately on a regular basis or else we’re in deep trouble,” Miller said.

“Vittoriosa have beaten us twice this season so we must treat them with great respect. Hibs have shown some improvement lately but unless we maintain our levels high, we could seriously jeopardise our position in the Premier League.”

Results so far: Vittoriosa Stars vs Hibernians 2-0, 2-1.

Ħamrun vs Valletta (tomorrow 4 p.m., National Stadium).

Valletta will fancy their chances of stretching their lead at the top of the standings with victory over Ħamrun.

The Citizens are enjoying a comfortable seven-point lead over nearest rivals Tarxien and with the latter facing a tricky match against champions Birkirkara this weekend, Valletta could further widen that gap if results go their way.

However, they will be wary of the Reds’ battling spirit. Two weeks ago, the leaders experienced at first hand the tenacity of the Spartans who held them to a 1-1 draw.

Valletta must make do without the inspirational Denni, who must serve a one-match ban, and midfielder Jamie Pace is still sidelined with a thigh injury. Ryan Fenech is now fully fit and available for the team.

Ħamrun welcome striker Dene Shields back in the fray along with midfielder Massimo Grima. However, striker Gaetan Spiteri is out to serve suspension while Dylan Kokavessis (knee) and Marcelo Perreira (knock) are doubtful.

Results so far: Valletta vs Ħamrun 2-0, 1-1.

Qormi vs Sliema (Monday 7.30 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Still reeling from the upset of missing out on a place in the Championship Pool, Qormi and Sliema will be keen to pick up valuable points in their bid to ease their relegation worries as early as possible.

Judging on recent form and the quality they possess, it’s highly unlikely that these two teams will be embroiled in the fight against the drop given that both start their Relegation Pool commitments five points ahead of Vittoriosa.

Qormi will have to do without goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia, suspended, while Matthew Bartolo (ankle) and Roderick Sammut (knee) are unfit.

Meanwhile, Sliema lost Alex Muscat for another two weeks to cure a muscle strain sustained last weekend on his very return to the game after several months out.

Results so far: Sliema vs Qormi 0-0, 0-0.