Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 6pm, National Stadium).
Leaders Hibernians will be looking to move a step closer to securing the title by winning their clash with Sliema Wanderers.
The Paolites, unbeaten after 28 games, are coming from a 5-0 mauling of Mosta while the Wanderers drew 0-0 with Qormi in their last outing.
Luis De Melo Lima is doubtful with a hamstring problem but otherwise Hibs coach Branko Nisevic has a full squad at his disposal.
Mid-table Sliema welcome back playmaker Pedrinho, who has completed a three-match ban, and midfielder Mark Scerri. The latter was suspended for the Qormi game.
Midfielder Marko Potezica is out, suspended, while striker Michael Mifsud could miss out as he is troubled by an ankle injury. Defender Stefano Bianciardi is doubtful.
Previous results: Hibernians vs Sliema 3-1, 2-1.
Balzan vs Żebbuġ Rangers (tomorrow at 6pm, Tedesco Stadium).
Balzan, who won their last three matches, will be going all out to strengthen their grip on fourth spot while the embattled Żebbuġ Rangers’ situation is getting desperate after they lost five games in succession.
Midfielder Edison Bilbao Zarate is expected to return for Balzan after injury kept him out of the 3-0 win over Pietà Hotspurs last Monday.
Zarate’s availability is a boost for coach Oliver Spiteri who is still without winger Oscar Guerrero.
Żebbuġ coach Alfonso Greco is buoyed by the return of key players Mattias Muchardi, Yessous Camilleri and Thomas Paris.
Defender Lee Galea should be available as he has recuperated from injury.
Previous results: Balzan vs Żebbuġ Rangers 4-2, 1-1.
Naxxar Lions vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 8.15 pm, Tedesco Stadium).
A win for Naxxar Lions would all but banish their relegation fears as Jesmond Zerafa’s men are six points clear of the drop zone with five games remaining.
Not the same can be said for Tarxien whose hopes of staying in the Premier League are receding by the minute, what with the Rainbows rooted to the bottom of the table on 11 points.
Winger Jorge is an injury doubt for Naxxar after the Brazilian picked up a groin injury in the 1-0 defeat to Valletta.
Manuel Bonaque Acevedo is back in the frame for Tarxien after the wing-back served a two-match ban but striker Mouhamed Soly is still suspended. Carlos Hevia and Jorge Yepes are not match-fit.
Defender Ryan Sammut is out for the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate injury.
Previous results: Naxxar Lions vs Tarxien Rainbows 1-2, 0-1.
Current standings
P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
Hibs | 28 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 87 | 17 | 46 |
Birkirkara | 29 | 18 | 6 | 5 | 55 | 27 | 39 |
Valletta | 28 | 19 | 2 | 7 | 66 | 23 | 37 |
Balzan | 28 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 46 | 41 | 30 |
Floriana | 28 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 48 | 43 | 29 |
Sliema | 28 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 36 | 42 | 22 |
Mosta | 29 | 9 | 5 | 15 | 33 | 61 | 20 |
Naxxar | 28 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 33 | 42 | 18 |
Qormi | 29 | 5 | 9 | 15 | 30 | 48 | 15 |
Pietà H. | 29 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 25 | 52 | 12 |
Żebbuġ | 28 | 5 | 6 | 17 | 33 | 69 | 12 |
Tarxien | 28 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 27 | 54 | 11 |