Champions Valletta will be looking to reassert their title credentials tomorrow when they meet high-flying Hibs in this weekend’s crunch match at the National Stadium (kick-off: 18.00).
The Citizens have had an unconvincing start to the season, taking only four points from their opening three games.
A shock 1-0 defeat to Mosta in their first game was followed by another uninspiring goalless draw against Tarxien Rainbows before Valletta overcame neighbouring rivals Floriana 2-0 for their first win of the season.
Although it is still far too early in the campaign to talk of decisive clashes, Gilbert Agius, the Valletta coach, acknowledged the importance of tomorrow’s game.
“Hibernians are one of the in-form teams at the moment,” Agius told Times of Malta.
“The new signings will help them a lot, especially in defence. All three matches we have played so far were important tests but this is the right moment to gauge our strength and form.”
Valletta gleaned a much-needed psychological tonic ahead of this clash with the Paolites after opening their scoring account in the derby victory over Floriana.
“That was a boost as the derby is always important for Valletta,” Agius said.
“We were still without a win after the opening two games but that victory lifted our confidence.
“It was clear that we started to play better after scoring our first goal in the league.”
Agius’s attacking options have been strengthened by the arrival of two Brazilian wingers, Paulo Candido Serafim de Cruz, aka Lico, and Alex Terra.
Midfielder Roderick Briffa is training regularly now but defender Jonathan Caruana is out of the equation after picking up a groin problem while on international duty.
Ian Zammit sustained an injury during a friendly and Christian Cassar is also doubtful for City.
Tomorrow, Malta defender Andrei Agius, who was outstanding in the 2-0 defeat to Croatia in the Euro Championship qualifier, is expected to make his first ap-pearance for Hibernians.
Other matches
Pietà Hotspurs vs Floriana (today at 16.00, National Stadium).
Pietà and Floriana will be chasing their first victory after gaining only one point from their opening three games.
Noel Coleiro, the Pietà coach, must do without veteran striker Malcolm Licari, who is struggling with a knee injury, while forward Nicola Pepelcevic is still not fully fit to play.
On a more positive note, the Hotspurs will have Rafael Xavier back in the frame after the Brazilian defender completed a two-match ban.
For Floriana, Senegalese forward Amadou Samb is set to make his debut after completing his move from Verona in the final days of the transfer window.
Sliema Wanderers vs Qormi (today at 16.00, Tedesco Stadium).
Sliema are still winless while Qormi have lost their last two matches this season.
Captain Alex Muscat is sidelined for the Blues after undergoing knee surgery and midfielder Beppe Muscat is suspended.
The Wanderers, however, could have a new striker, from Ivory Coast, in their ranks today.
Argentine defender Mauricio Mazzetti is injured for Qormi but otherwise coach Josef Mansueto has a full squad at his disposal.
Naxxar Lions vs Mosta (today at 18.00, National Stadium).
These two rivals have had a contrasting start to the season.
Mosta have been one of the most impressive teams so far, winning their opening three matches to share top spot with Birkirkara and Hibernians.
Italian coach Enrico Piccioni is buoyed by the availability of flank defender Rodriguez Ekani and new signing Pedrinho who return from suspension.
Naxxar are still in search of their first victory as coach Winston Muscat has fitness concerns over Angus Buhagiar, Gilmar and Pablo Doffo.
Lions’ midfielder David Fenech is ruled out with groin trouble.
Balzan vs Birkirkara (today at 18.15, Tedesco Stadium).
Birkirkara start favourites to extend their flawless start to the championship but today they could face a stern challenge from Balzan who are also unbeaten after three games.
Gareth Sciberras, the Birkirkara midfielder, has yet to complete his rehab from injury while Paul Fenech is doubtful after taking a blow to his nose during Malta’s defeat to Croatia.
It remains to be seen whether Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit receives the go-ahead to use Vyacheslav Shevchenko due to complications over the Ukrainian striker’s registration.
Balzan coach Oliver Spiteri is still without long-term injury absentees Dylan Grima and Godwin McKay but the rest of the players are all available.
Zebbug Rangers vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 16.00, National Stadium).
Newly-promoted side Zebbug Rangers will be looking to claim their first win at the expense of Tarxien Rainbows who have drawn all their opening three league matches.
Jesmond Zammit, the Rangers coach, is expected to give a debut to Serbian striker Bojan Mamic who replaced Scottish forward Craig Beattie.
Tarxien mentor Clive Mizzi will leave it until late to name his starting XI as goalkeeper Jonathan Debono, Brazilian winger Jorge and Spanish midfielder Carlinos are all ranked as doubtful.