City without Fenech, Mosta release foreign duo

Valletta vs Qormi (today at 8 p.m., National Stadium).

Champions Valletta will be without midfielder Ryan Fenech as they look to make it three wins in a row when they take on Qormi.

Fenech dislocated his shoulder in the second half of Malta’s 1-1 draw against Georgia in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday. Brazilian defender Ramon is still out with a groin injury.

Qormi can’t call on new signing Daniel Nwoke as the Nigerian has yet to travel to Malta. The former Floriana striker has agreed a one-year deal with Qormi but the latter are still completing the necessary paperwork to register Nwoke.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi welcomes back Brazilian midfielder Giuseppe Vela who has recovered from injury, but Greek defender Christos Karamanolis is out with a knee problem.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 6 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Ħamrun Spartans are expected to field their strongest formation against Tarxien Rainbows as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of losing three points on the table after their 3-1 win over Balzan was overturned.

The MFA Protests’ Board ruled in favour of Balzan who challenged the validity of the result of their match against the Spartans on the grounds that the latter made use of an ineligible player.

Portuguese wing-back Luis Silva has recovered from the shoulder injury suffered in the 2-0 defeat to Valletta while midfielder Lee James Agius returns from suspension.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, also has a full complement at his disposal as striker Karl Pulo is available for the first time this season after missing the Rainbows’ opening two mathes with an ankle injury.

Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers (tomorrow at 8 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Alex Muscat and Rumen Galabov are expected to make their first appearance for Sliema this season in tomorrow’s Old Firm derby against Floriana after both recovered from injuries.

The Blues, who are looking to appoint a new president following the shock resignation of Steve Abela, are expected to be without striker Timmy Thomas who suffered a groin injury in the 2-0 win over Mqabba.

Floriana must make do without Christian Caruana who sustained a shoulder injury during a friendly against Dingli Swallows last week. Argentine midfielder Pablo Doffo is expected to be fit after picking up a knee injury in training.

Balzan Youths vs Mosta (Monday at 6 p.m., National Stadium).

Balzan Youths, buoyed by their ‘boardroom win’ over Ħamrun, will have only one overseas player – Nikola Tasic – available for their match against fellow top-flight newcomers Mosta.

Hungarian striker Daniel Sibalin has been released, Albanian defender Bledjon Guga is nursing a knee injury and Brazilian striker Pedrinho is out with a one-match ban.

Mosta have also revamped their foreign line-up as defender Valdo Alinho and forward Diego Maradona Pedriaggi have been released. Coach Oliver Spiteri is expected to given a debut to new signing Ossok Yannick, a Cameroonian defender.

Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba (Monday at 8 p.m., National Stadium).

Marsaxlokk will be without two key players for their match against Mqabba as midfielder Trevor Templeman and defender Clive Brincat are suspended.

Winston Muscat, the Marsaxlokk coach, is also sweating on the fitness of midfielder Sacha Borg who picked up an injury while training with the Malta U-19s.

Mqabba are expected to be at full strength as midfielder Marlon Briffa is back in the fray after recovering from a knee injury. Serbian striker Bojan Mamic is also winning his fitness race after taking a knock in the defeat to Sliema.