The final two Euro Cup matches have become a mere formality after it emerged that Hibs are already assured of winning the compe-tition, regardless of the result of their game against Floriana tomorrow.

The Paolites lead the four-team table with six points after wins over Birkirkara and Valletta.

Birkirkara’s 3-0 victory over Floriana on Tuesday sealed Hibs’ success in this pre-season tournament as rules state that in the event that two teams finish joint top the result of their direct encounter will determine the winner.

Valletta and Birkirkara, both on three points, are the only teams that can catch Hibs if the latter lose to Floriana but the Paolites have already beaten the other two direct contenders.

Confirmation that Hibs have secured the Euro Cup will surely delight their fans who are on a high after their team’s 1-0 win over rivals Valletta on Monday.

Hibs’ victory also represents a boost for coach Michael Woods who only took charge of the team two weeks ago, succeeding Mark Miller who left for Valletta.

“I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen in the last two games,” Woods told The Times.

“The players have shown character, especially in the second match against Valletta.”

Woods believes that the Euro Cup is serving its purpose as a warm-up tournament ahead of UEFA club competitions.

“It’s important to play these games involving the top Maltese teams before our matches in Europe,” Woods said.

Hibs have been drawn against Bosnia’s FK Sarajevo in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

Edward Herrera is available for Hibs as the wing-back has returned from overseas. Brazilian striker Luis Edison and Jonathan Pearson are sidelined with injuries.

Belgian defender Jason Lee Vandelannoite is expected to have a trial with a foreign club after Hibs’ final Euro Cup match.

The Greens have had little to smile about in the Euro Cup after losing their opening two matches, 2-1 to Valletta and 3-0 to Birkirkara.

Player-coach Ivan Woods played no part in Tuesday’s game against the Stripes as he opted to guide his team from the bench.

The Floriana supporters will have been pleased to see that the club are stepping up their efforts to recruit new foreign players as trialists Alejandro Bolanos Garcia, Antonio Miguel De La Torre and Kelvin Onosiughe figured for the Greens against Birkirkara.

Off the field, Floriana have held talks with a Georgian businessman who is interested in buying a club in Malta. Sources said that the entrepreneur is already the owner of a club in Holland.

This evening, Valletta and Birkirkara will be looking to gain a morale-booster ahead of their Euro assignments.

While the champions will be aiming to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Hibs, the Stripes hope to raise their performance level after showing improvement in their win over Floriana following a 5-0 mauling to Hibs last week.

Rodrigo Pereira is poised to return for Birkirkara after suspension as coach Paul Zammit may opt to rest a host of first-team players.

European dates

The dates of the European matches involving the four Maltese teams this summer have been finalised.

In the first qualifying round of the Champions League, Valletta will play Andorra’s FC Lusitans at the Hibs Stadium next Tuesday with the return leg a week later (July 10).

In the first qualifying round of the Europa League, Birkirkara will host FK Metalurg Skopje (Macedonia) at the Hibs Stadium today week.

The second leg is scheduled to take place on July 12.

Hibs and Floriana are away to FK Sarajevo (Bosnia) and IF Elfsborg (Sweden) respectively on July 5.

The second leg of the Floriana-Elfsborg tie will be played at Corradino on July 10, two days before the Paolites’ home match against Sarajevo.

Current standings

Programme (Hibs Stadium)
Today: 18.30 Birkirkara vs Valletta.
Tomorrow: 18.30 Hibernians vs Floriana.

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