Relieved after their hard-earned win over struggling Naxxar Lions, Valletta are unlikely to underestimate the threat posed by the improved Tarxien Rainbows this afternoon.

Paul Zammit can’t send out his best formation as Brazilian right-back Romeu Romao is suspended after his sending-off in the first half of the 3-1 defeat of the Lions.

Jonathan Caruana is still recovering from the knee injury suffered in the 1-0 reverse to Hibs while Brazilian Jhonnattann (picture) is sidelined with a wrist problem.

Zammit also has concerns over Italian midfielder Claudio Pani, who limped off with a dead leg in Sunday’s game, and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza who is plagued by back trouble.

Tarxien Rainbows coach Jacques Scerri will be hoping that Bruno Oliveira shakes off a foot injury.

The Brazilian defender has been a towering figure at the heart of Tarxien’s defence since joining them in the close season.

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