Sliema vs Valletta (today 4pm, National Stadium).

Champions Valletta face another tricky test when they take on a Sliema side in dire need of points to secure Championship Pool football.

The Citizens come into the match on the back of two important results after wins over Hibernians (4-1) and Birkirkara (1-0) that shot the team back to the top position.

The Citizens will be without Brazilian livewire Denni who starts a three-match ban. Jason Vandelannoite was down with ’flu this week so his condition will be assessed before the match.

Sliema will have to play without midfielder Paltemio Barbetti and wingback Luca Martinelli who must serve a one-match ban.

Striker Luigi Ruggiero is back from suspension but goalkeeper Henry Bonello is still out with knee trouble.

First round result: Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers 1-1.

Balzan vs Rabat (tomorrow 2pm, Hibs Stadium).

Balzan will be all out to pick maximum spoils against bottom-placed Rabat as they look to keep alive their hopes of a top-six place.

New signings Ryan Darmanin and Firas Aboulezz will be thrown into the equation straightaway after joining Balzan from Floriana and Mosta respectively. Renie Forace has also recovered from a knee injury but Matthew Mendy (knee) and Jonathan Francica (ankle) are sidelined.

Rabat, still winless after 18 matches, will be without defender Patrick Borg, who must serve a one-match ban, while Clive Brincat (flu) and Yan Cauchi (knee) are unavailable.

Midfielder Manuel Fuster is still struggling with a knee injury and is doubtful.

First round result: Rabat vs Balzan 0-2.

Floriana vs Melita (tomorrow 4pm, Hibs Stadium).

Floriana will be looking to distance themselves further from the lower positions in the standings by beating second-bottom Melita.

Ryan Darmanin is now a Balzan player and Brazilian defender Henrique Celestino returned home but this week Englishman Gary Roberts, a playmaker, joined Flo-riana for the rest of the season.

Trevor Cilia will be in the Greens’ squad and Igor Coronado is also likely to play after missing the goalless draw with Qormi due to suspension. Mark Spiteri is out with a pulled hamstring while Brooke Farrugia is suspended.

Melita will be without their coach Patxi Salinas who starts a three-match touchline ban.

The Amateurs still have Julian Galea out to heal a fractured hand while Michael Valenzia and Luke Sammut are suspended.

First round result: Melita vs Floriana 2-2.