Tricky Sliema test awaits Hibs

Birkirkara vs Floriana (today at 14.00, National Stadium).

Floriana will be without inspirational forward Ivan Woods for their opening Championship Pool match against fourth-placed Birkirkara.

Woods failed to recover from the knee injury he suffered during Floriana’s 1-1 draw against leaders Valletta. Midfielder Christian Cassar is out with a long-term knee injury.

European hopefuls Birkirkara have no injury problems as Brazilian defender Rodrigo Pereira returns after missing the 3-1 win over Ħamrun Spartans through suspension. Midfielder Alan Tabone is available for selection after a long injury lay-off.

Previous results: Floriana vs Birkirkara 0-3, 1-0.

Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 16.00, National Stadium).

Title contenders Hibernians are at full strength as they roll up their Championship Pool campaign with a tricky fixture against Sliema Wanderers, joint fourth with Birkirkara, this afternoon.

Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, welcomes back Brazilian midfielder Jackson Lima who missed the 6-1 trimming of Mqabba through suspension while long-term absentees Adrian Pulis, Matthew Tabone and Ryan Camilleri have been training regularly with the first team after recuperating from injuries.

Sliema will be without three first-squad players as Mark Scerri, Trevor Cilia and Andrew Decesare are sidelined while goalkeeper Henry Bonello is doubtful after picking a slight injury during training.

On a more positive note, coach Danilo Doncic can bank on midfielders Ryan Fenech and Rumen Galabov after both missed the 2-0 win over Mosta due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Sliema Wanderers this week appointed Edward Aquilina as the club’s technical director.

Aquilina, who led the Blues to several honours during his successful coaching career, was identified by Doncic, who played under the experienced mentor with both Valletta and Sliema, and Wanderers president Keith Perry as the ideal candidate for the post of technical director.

Previous results: Sliema Wanderers vs Hibs 3-3, 1-1.

Mosta vs Ħamrun Spartans (tomorrow at 14.00, Hibs Stadium).

Mosta are sweating on the fitness of their chief goalscorer Obinna Obiefule for their opening Relegation Pool match against Ħamrun Spartans.

Obiefule, who has scored 18 times in the Premier League this season, picked up a hamstring injury in his team’s 2-0 defeat to Sliema and is expected to undergo a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Cameroon defender Yannick Ossok and Italian wing-back Federico Tisbi are back after serving bans but midfielder Florent Raimy and striker Ian Zammit miss out because of suspension.

Ħamrun are boosted by the return of midfielder Lee James Agius who was suspended for the 3-1 defeat to Birkirkara. Coach Stefan Sultana has a full squad at his disposal for this delicate fixture.

Previous results: Ħamrun Spartans vs Mosta 1-0, 2-2.

Balzan Youths vs Valletta (tomorrow at 16.00, Hibs Stadium).

Leaders Valletta could be without three foreign players as they kick off their Championship Pool campaign against Balzan Youths.

Burkina Faso wing-back Saidon Mady Panandetiguiri is out of the match after picking up an ankle injury during last week’s derby against Floriana while his fellow countryman Ousseni Zongo is rated as doubtful after suffering a knock against the Greens.

Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong is ruled out by suspension.

Balzan Youths go into this match in high spirits after gaining a place in the Championship Pool for the first time in the club’s history.

Ivan Zammit, the Balzan coach, is concerned about the fitness of goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri (foot), Clifton Ciantar (flu) and Renie Forace (flu).

Anthony Eviparker is unavailable after he flew to Germany this week without the permission of the club, president George Borg told The Times. The Nigerian is likely to face disciplinary action for unpro-fessional conduct.

Previous results: Valletta vs Balzan Youths 2-0, 2-0.