Hibernians are weakened by the absence of five players but remain favourites to overcome St Andrew’s who have raised their game since signing a host of foreigners.

Defender Andrei Agius, Marcelo Dias and Mbele Diosdado are suspended for the Paolites while Brazilian striker Jorginho and Equatorial Guinea defender Rui Da Gracia Gomes are recovering from injuries.

Coach Branko Nisevic is expected to name Luis Edison ‘Tarabai’ in the squad after the Brazilian striker came on as a substitute in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Terek Grozny.

However, Tarabai (picture) is unlikely to stay with Hibs until the end of the season as the latter are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to send him back on loan to South Korean club Seoul E-Land.

Hibs have entered the race to sign Sliema captain Alex Muscat who is also a target for Birkirkara.

St Andrew’s, still without a point, have no injury worries.

First round: Hibernians vs St Andrew’s 3-0.

Naxxar, Qormi in relegation duel

The game between Qormi and Naxxar Lions is a clash between two struggling teams who badly need the points to boost their survival hopes.

Naxxar are coming from seven straight defeats while Qormi have not picked up a point in their last four games.

Ousmane Sidibe and Ryan Micallef are back for Qormi after missing the 5-0 defeat to Balzan due to suspension. Brothers Terence and Emerson Vella are also expected to be in the squad after recovering from injuries but Steve Agius is still out.

Naxxar coach Clive Mizzi has no fresh injury worries but, at the time of writing, the Lions were still waiting for the international transfer certificate of newly-signed Italian keeper Alberto Gallinetta.

First round: Qormi vs Naxxar Lions 1-1.

Valletta wary of solid Pembroke

Leaders Valletta have a tricky game as they meet buoyant Pembroke who pulled off a shock 2-0 win over the Citizens in the first round.

Tunisian winger Abdelkarim Nafti is set to return for Valletta after injury kept him out of the 2-1 derby win.

Argentine defender Juan Cruz Gill and Italian midfielder Claudio Pani are due to undergo a late fitness test today.

Coach Paul Zammit is pondering the possibility of signing Colombian defender Luis Miguel Vergara who impressed in a trial.

Pembroke are hopeful of registering Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule who is recovering from a knee injury while Brazilian forward Edoardo Do Nascimento, aka Bizu, is training with the Reds after coming out of retirement. Bizu played for Sliema and Floriana in the past.

Winston Muscat, the Pembroke coach, is still without Leighton Grech, injured, while Mano Micallef is doubtful.

First round: Pembroke Athleta vs Valletta 2-0.

Friggieri set to stay with Sliema

News that young striker Aidan Friggieri is likely to stay put until the end of the season is a boost for Sliema Wanderers as the Malta U-19 striker had been expected to join Italian club Como on loan.

Also this week, Sliema completed the signings of Nigerian striker Saviour Fidelis, formerly of Mosta, and Brazilian midfielder Mandinho, who was released by Naxxar Lions.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi is concerned about the fitness of midfielder Mark Scerri ahead of tomorrow’s game against Balzan.

Sliema are in talks with Hibs to sign striker Jean Paul Farrugia on loan until the end of the season.

Balzan, now up to fourth after three wins on the trot, welcome back Justin Grioli, who was suspended for the 5-0 win over Qormi, but defender Clive Brincat is out after receiving a one-match ban.

First round: Balzan vs Sliema Wanderers 1-0.

New players for Tarxien, Mosta

Tarxien Rainbows have strengthened their squad with the signings of Swedish striker Alex Nilsson, John Mintoff, on loan from Sliema, and Spanish winger Sergio Prendes.

Nilsson, Mintoff and Prendes are expected to be included in the squad for tomorrow’s encounter with Mosta as Tarxien seek to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Pembroke.

Coach Jacques Scerri has three key players missing as Brazilians Bruno Oliveira and Joao Pedro, and Spanish midfielder Carlos Hevia are suspended. Timothy Tabone Desira is ranked doubtful.

Mosta have recruited three foreigners, Nigerians Thomas Zenke, who plays in midfield, and striker Sibi Gwar, and Cameroonian defender Leonard Njousso. Their availability for tomorrow’s game depends on the completion of their registration documents.

Coach Ivan Zammit is unlikely to tinker with his team after the 1-0 derby win over Naxxar. Edile Micheletti is out, suspended.

First round: Mosta vs Tarxien Rainbows 0-0.