The third round of the FA Trophy will be completed this evening when Xewkija Tigers and Valletta face each other at the Gozo Stadium (kick-off: 7pm).

Valletta, the BOV Premier League leaders, are firm favourites to reach the next round at the expense of the GFA Division One champions and set up a mouth-watering tie against Birkirkara who progressed after defeating Kirkop United 6-0, last month.

The Citizens reached the new year in high spirits after opening a three-point lead at the top of the league standings following a 3-2 win over champions Hibernians.

Coach Paul Zammit can bank on a full squad for the trip across the channel as Italian midfielder Claudio Pani has recovered from an ankle injury suffered against Hibernians last month.

Zammit is likely to give central defender Diego Balbinot his debut this evening after the Brazilian agreed to join the Citizens until the end of the season late last month.

The Tigers know this will be a difficult cup tie for them but they’re looking to give their all and provide a stern challenge to the Citizens.

Xewkija are going through a difficult spell lately.

A 7-0 defeat against Hibernians in the President’s Cup was followed by another damaging upset when they lost 4-0 to Għajnsielem on Sunday to slip four points behind their title rivals in the GFA Division One standings.

The Tigers will need to show significant progress to deny a Valletta team that went into the Christmas recess on the back of five successive league victories.

The fourth round matches of the FA Trophy will be played on January 19 and 20.

Fourth round pairings
Hibernians vs Pembroke; Floriana vs Lija Athletic; Qormi vs Tarxien; St Andrew’s vs Gżira; Balzan vs Melita; Pietà vs St George’s; Birkirkara vs Valletta/Xewkija; Għargħur vs Sliema.