Birkirkara are expected to include their latest signings in their squad for their match against bottom side St Andrew’s this afternoon.

Malta U-21 midfielder Matthew Guillaumier and Croatian duo Mislav Andelkovic, a midfielder, and goalkeeper Miroslav Kopric will be hopeful of making their first appearance for the Stripes after their registration papers were filed at the Malta FA this week.

Croatian coach Drazen Besek, who started his tenure at Birkirkara with a 1-0 win over Qormi, welcomes back Argentine defender Mauricio Mazzetti from suspension.

Goalkeeper Justin Haber (hand), Edward Herrera (groin) and Ryan Scicluna (groin) are still sidelined for the Stripes.

St Andrew’s were yesterday hoping to receive the all-clear to register some new foreigners as they strive to strengthen their squad in a bid to open their account after failing to pick up a single point in 17 games.

First round: Birkirkara vs St Andrew’s 4-0.

Janjusevic available for Balzan

Balzan may be surefire favourites to win this match but they are unlikely to take Qormi lightly on the back of the latter’s disciplined performance in the 1-0 defeat to Birkirkara last weekend.

Oliver Spiteri, the Balzan coach, is expected to name goalkeeper Ivan Janjusevic in his squad after the Montenegrin completed his move to the Reds earlier this week.

Paul Fenech’s one-match ban means that Spiteri has to make changes from the 4-1 defeat of Mosta.

Qormi, third from bottom, are buoyed by the return of midfielders Kurt Magro and Clifford Gauci who missed the previous match.

Italian Pietro Viggiani is also back for Qormi but brothers Terence and Emerson Vella are still down with injuries.

First round: Balzan vs Qormi 1-0.

Naxxar Lions release Rajovic

Naxxar Lions will take heart from their brave display against Valletta as they prepare to take on Pembroke Athleta.

Spanish wing-back Jose Godar is back in the frame for Naxxar Lions after seeing out his one-match ban in the 2-1 defeat to Valletta but Angus Buhagiar is out, suspended.

Montenegrin defender Blazo Rajovic, who missed the Valletta game through suspension, has been released by the Lions.

Clive Mizzi, the Naxxar coach, is expected to give a debut to midfielder Ryan Grech and a Colombian defender.

Edu Vallecillo, who played under Mizzi at Tarxien last year, is training with Naxxar but the Spanish striker is unlikely to be involved today.

Like Naxxar, Pembroke left the pitch with nothing to show for their efforts last week despite their spirited performance against Hibs.

Coach Winston Muscat must cope without Siraj Arab and Terence Agius, both suspended, while Leighton Grech is still on the casualty list.

First round: Pembroke Athleta vs Naxxar Lions 5-1.

Hibernians without key trio

Expect Hibs to go all out to make amends for their 4-1 defeat to Mosta in the first round when the two teams meet again tomorrow.

The champions, three points behind leaders Valletta, have some key players missing for their clash with Mosta.

Midfielder Bjorn Kristensen is suspended, Brazilian striker Jorginho is troubled by a quad problem and Equatorial Guinea defender Rui Da Gracia Gomes is unlikely to recover from the injury that ended his participation in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Pembroke Athleta.

Coach Branko Nisevic also has concerns over goalkeeper Jurgen Borg who has a knee problem. It was announced yesterday that Hibs are playing a friendly against Terek Grozny on January 26 as the Russian club arrived in Malta yesterday for a winter training camp.

Nigerian midfielder Onyekachi Okonkwo returns for Mosta after serving a one-match ban while Godwin Mensha, signed this week after ending his contract with Balzan, should also be available.

First round: Mosta vs Hibernians 4-1.

Old Firm rivals target boost

Floriana will be looking to get back on track after their upset to Tarxien but they have a tough match ahead as Sliema Wanderers are coming from a series of positive results.

The Blues hammered St Andrew’s 6-1 in their last outing to make it four matches without defeat.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi has lost Peter Xuereb to injury after the young forward broke his nose during training but John Mintoff is available after recovering from injury.

Goalkeeper Matthew Grech could be in line to make his debut for Floriana as no.1 Matthew Calleja Cremona is out, suspended.

Coach Luis Oliveira is short of options on the left flank as Jurgen Pisani is out for several months after undergoing cruciate surgery.

Jacob Borg is still on trial with the fourth-placed Greens.

First round: Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers 3-0.