Tarxien Rainbows vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 6.30pm, National Stadium).
Sliema will be looking to leave a positive impact on the new season when they kick off their campaign against a new-look Tarxien.
The Wanderers have strengthened their ranks considerably and their most notable signings were striker Michael Mifsud and Italian Andrea Pisanu who was brought in as a replacement for Stanley Ohawuchi, now a Wadi Degla player in Egypt.
Coach Alfonso Greco has no injury worries at Sliema and is expected to name his strongest formation.
Tarxien are a changed team from last season as they brought in no fewer than 13 new players in the transfer market.
One of the new arrivals, Firas Aboulezz, is out, however, with knee trouble while Carlos Hevia is also doubtful.
Birkirkara vs Pietà Hotspurs (today at 6.30pm, Tedesco Stadium).
Birkirkara will fancy their chances of making a fast start to this year’s title trek when they take on newly-promoted Pietà.
Paul Zammit’s men are in high spirits after their Super Cup victory over Valletta last week and start favourites to collect all spoils against the Hotspurs.
Birkirkara welcome back Paul Fenech who missed the Super Cup win through suspension but Gareth Sciberras is still not 100 per cent fit.
Pietà had a positive pre-season, highlighted by their success in the Malta Summer Cup but coach Noel Coleiro will be aware that the real business starts today.
Coleiro will be without Gabriel Da Silva and Kyle Decesare, both hampered with groin injuries. Rafael Rodrigues also faces a late fitness test.
Floriana vs Hibernians (today at 8.30pm, National Stadium).
This should be a lively contest as both teams look to open their commitments with a convincing showing.
The Paolites look stronger than last season following the arrival of keeper Henry Bonello and striker Jorginho along with the return of Rodolfo Soares and Marcelo Dias.
Jean Paul Farrugia, however, will not be available as today he leaves for Slovakia to complete his one-year loan move to Spartak Trnava.
Spartak officials were impressed with former U-21 striker Farrugia during the two clubs’ meetings in the Europa League first qualifying round this summer.
Coach Branko Nisevic will also be without defender Jonathan Pearson, who is out for two months with a knee injury, while Jackson Lima is still not 100 per cent fit.
Floriana, too, have made some quality signings this summer with the capture of forward duo Vito Plut, of Slovenia, and Italian Matteo Piciollo.
Coach Giovanni Tedesco will be without winger Steve Pisani who must serve a one-match ban.
Balzan vs Żebbuġ Rangers (today at 8.45pm, Tedesco Stadium).
This should turn out to be a balanced encounter as Balzan open their league commitments against newly-promoted Żebbug.
Balzan, now under the charge of Oliver Spiteri, have impressed in pre-season following the capture of defender Elkin Serrano and strike partners Gianmarco Piccioni and Oscar Guerrero.
Spiteri lost midfielder Dylan Grima to a long-term injury while Clive Brincat is suspended.
Żebbuġ were quite active this summer with the acquisition of Mattias Muchardi (ex-Sliema), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Yessous Camilleri from Valletta, and Spanish defender Javi Diaz Serrano.
Coach Jesmond Zammit is hoping Rangers will add another striker to his squad to fill the void left by Obinna Obiefule who moved to Saudi Arabia.
Goalkeeper Fabricio Raspan is unavailable for Rangers as his transfer documents failed to arrive in time.
Qormi vs Naxxar Lions (tomorrow at 6.30pm, National Stadium).
Qormi and Naxxar will be looking to improve on last year’s poor showing in the Premier League.
Qormi handed the team’s reins to Josef Mansueto and brought in tried and tested foreigners Frank Temile (ex-Birkirkara), Gabriel da Silva (ex-Valletta) and Zoran Levnaic (ex-Hibernians).
Mansueto has a full squad at his disposal with the exception of Brazilian striker Anderson Santos as the club is still looking to finalise his transfer.
Naxxar will have various new faces in their team this season as the Lions want to fare much better than last year when they only secured survival on the last day of the championship.
Ibok Edet and Victor Bellia will both serve a ban tomorrow while Angus Buhagiar must face a late fitness test after an ankle injury.