As the festive season draws to a close, the BOV Premier League resumes this evening with two matches at the Tedesco Stadium.
Balzan Youths, 3-2 winners over Hibs in their last league match, will be aiming to continue where they left off before the Christmas break when they meet Mqabba in a clash between two promoted sides who have held their own in the top flight so far this season.
The second fixture is shaping up as a relegation showdown as third-from-bottom Tarxien Rain-bows take on basement side Mosta with only three points separating the two teams.
There are high hopes that the first BOV Premier League programme of 2012 will throw up two balanced, hard-fought matches but the forecast gale winds could wreak havoc with the efforts of the four teams to produce good football in pursuit of precious points.
For Balzan, victory today would further strengthen their Championship Pool bid as Ivan Zammit’s team are sixth in the table, level with Qormi on 20 points.
After securing the signature of experienced forward Martin Deanov, formerly of Marsaxlokk, Balzan Youths yesterday re-signed Nigerian striker Anthony Eviparker, another old acquaintance of Maltese football.
While Deanov’s registration documents have already been filed at the MFA, Balzan are hoping to receive the international transfer certificate of Eviparker ahead of today’s important clash against Mqabba.
Balzan have made the acquisition of a striker a top priority during this month’s transfer window following the departure of New Zealand striker Kris Bright who is expected to continue his career in Norway with Bryne FK.
Although survival is Mqabba’s no.1 target this season, the Reds will haul themselves back into contention for a top-six berth if they win today. Mqabba, who lost 1-0 to Birkirkara in their last match, are five points adrift of sixth place.
Coach Clive Mizzi is concerned about a host of players who have been struck down with flu this week. Marko Potezica is doubtful with a slight injury and Marlon Briffa must serve a one-match ban.
On the plus side, Mizzi can bank on new signing John Nwoba, who started the season with Għargħur, while Sliema Wanderers defender Julian Briffa is expected to complete his move to his home club this morning.
Mqabba beat Balzan 2-1 in the first round.
Tarxien-Mosta
Tarxien Rainbows and Mosta are expected to field some new players this evening after both clubs moved to reinforce their squad.
Steve D’Amato, the Mosta coach, is boosted by the signings of two former Marsaxlokk players, French midfielder Florent Raimy and Nigerian striker Obinna Obiefule.
Serbian midfielder Nikola Bogdanovic is suspended for Mosta, who lost 1-0 to Valletta in their last league outing, while Sheldon Grech suffered an ankle injury during training earlier this week.
Tarxien endured mixed fortunes in their last two outings as a 2-0 win over Qormi in the league was followed by an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Division One side Pietà Hotspurs in the U*Bet FA Trophy.
Patrick Curmi, the Tarxien coach, is likely to have two newcomers in his squad today.
Danish striker Jimmy Mayasi, who was born in Congo, has joined the Rainbows as a replacement for Brazilian forward Rodrigo Andreis Galvao while Marsaxlokk left-back Carlo Mamo was expected to seal his switch to his first club last night.
Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno is out of the equation after having knee surgery while right-back Justin Grioli is recovering from an abdominal injury.
Tarxien edged Mosta 1-0 in the corresponding first round match.
Programme
Today (Tedesco Stadium 18.00 Mqabba vs Balzan; 20.15 Mosta vs Tarxien.
Tomorrow (National Stadium 14.00 Qormi vs Ħamrun; 16.00 Hibs vs Valletta.
Sunday (Hibs Stadium 14.00 Marsaxlokk vs Floriana; 16.00 Sliema vs Birkirkara.