Hibs coach Branko Nisevic has called on his players to be more clinical in front of goal as the champions look to get back to winning ways when they face bottom side St Andrew’s tonight.

The Paolites come into today’s match on the back of successive draws against Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers.

“I can’t be too happy with how things have gone for us lately,” the Serbian coach said.

“In the last match against Sliema, we started well, took the lead but lost our concentration after conceding.

“I think our biggest weakness is that we are struggling to put away our scoring chances and that is keeping the team under pressure.”

Jorginho is still out with a knee injury while Rodolfo Soares is struggling with a hamstring problem. Clayton Failla and Jorge have recovered and are in line for a first-team spot.

St Andrew’s, still without a point after 10 matches, are sweating on the fitness of Joseph Farrugia who has pulled a muscle while Nick Ghio is out with hamstring trouble.

Tarxien out to extend best start

Tarxien will be eager to build on their best start to a Premier League season when they take on Mosta this evening.

The Rainbows are in fine form after three successive victories lifted them to sixth place. Their tally of 18 points from their first 10 games represents their best opening to a Premier League season since winning promotion to the top flight in 2008.

For today’s match, Tarxien coach Jacques Scerri (picture) is expected to have a full squad at his disposal.

Tarxien have a tough task on their hands as they face a Mosta side who came close to upsetting leaders Valletta in midweek only to concede a late goal in a 2-2 draw. Ian Zammit is still suspended for the Blues.

Naxxar, Qormi in must-win duel

Strugglers Naxxar Lions and Qormi will be going all out to get the points and boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.

With just two points separating third-from-bottom Naxxar and Qormi, both teams are aware of the importance of tonight’s clash.

Qormi coach Johann Scicluna, who has no selection problems, will surely demand a more disciplined performance from his players after their error-strewn display in the 4-1 loss to Tarxien.

Naxxar are in upbeat mood as, under Clive Mizzi, who replaced Stefano Grima last month, they have improved considerably, winning two of their last three games.

The Lions will have to do without midfielder Mandinho, who must serve a one-match ban, while Australian midfielder Richard Cardozo is still out as he has yet to complete a three-match ban.

Selection worries for Zammit

Relieved after Njongo Priso’s last-gasp penalty earned them a point in a 2-2 draw against Mosta, leaders Valletta will be looking to increase the pressure on the likes of Birkirkara, Floriana and Balzan who will be in action tomorrow.

Coach Paul Zammit must dig deep into his resources as he’s missing several players. Argentine striker Federico Falcone (right) starts a two-match ban while Jonathan Caruana and Jhonnattann are on the casualty list. Midfielder Roderick Briffa is ranked doubtful.

Pembroke are in desperate need for points after three straight losses. Coach Winston Muscat has concerns over goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia (quad) while Leighton Grech is ruled out with a groin injury.

Zoran Levnaic misses out through suspension and is likely to be replaced by Zimbabwean defender Patmore Shereni who returns from a one-match ban.

No cause for alarm – Spiteri

Balzan coach Oliver Spiteri is not concerned about his team’s recent performances as he prepares his players for another tricky test against Sliema Wanderers following successive defeats to Floriana and Birkirkara.

“I don’t think there is cause for alarm after losing against teams of the quality of Floriana and Birkirkara,” Spiteri said.

“In our last match against Birkirkara, we had some key players missing but I felt that we were still in the match with 20 minutes to go.”

Spiteri is boosted by the return from suspension of defender Elkin Serrano and midfielder Edison Bilbao Zarate but goalkeeper Valerio Senatore, Ryan Fenech and Bojan Kaljevic are still on the sidelines.

Sliema are on a high after their bold showing in the 2-2 draw against Hibs. Coach Stephen Azzopardi is buoyed by the return of striker Michael Mifsud, who has recovered from injury, and Alex Muscat who missed the Hibs match through suspension.

Mark Scerri is out with a one-match ban while defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino is unlikely to feature for disciplinary reasons.

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