Naxxar Lions are keeping their fingers crossed that regular trio Andrew Scicluna, Ryan Grech and Angus Buhagiar pass a late fitness test ahead today’s crucial relegation clash with fellows-in-distress St Andrew’s.
Naxxar need a point to make sure of staying third bottom in the final standings and set up a play-off against Division One contenders Senglea Athletic for a place in the top flight next season.
However, their task will not be easy as the Saints, five points behind Naxxar with two matches remaining, have no other option but to take maximum spoils in order to keep alive their slim hopes alive of avoiding automatic relegation.
Defenders Scicluna and Buhagiar and midfielder Grech suffered knocks in the Lions’ 1-1 draw against Qormi.
On a more positive note, Naxxar will have striker Edu Vallecillo back from suspension this afternoon.
St Andrew’s will be without defender Michael Johnson who serves a one-match ban.
Previous results: St Andrew’s vs Naxxar 1-2, 1-0.
• Qormi’s fate could be sealed before they kick off their match against Sliema Wanderers this evening.
The Yellow-Blacks, who have Ryan Micallef banned, know that their top-flight future will depend on the outcome of the Naxxar-St Andrew’s clash. If the Lions avoid defeat, Qormi will be relegated along with the Saints.
Sliema are in high spirits as on Tuesday they booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy following a 2-1 win over St Andrew’s.
Previous results: Sliema vs Qormi 0-0, 6-3.
• Pembroke Athleta and Tarxien Rainbows have little to play for this afternoon but they are approaching this match in contrasting mood.
Pembroke are coming from a memorable week. After securing their top-flight status with a 3-2 win over Floriana, they reached the FA Trophy semi-finals for the first time with a 3-1 extra-time win over Pietà.
Tarxien have seen their hopes of making progress in the FA Trophy ended in midweek after bowing out to Balzan, also in extra-time.
Pembroke will be without playmaker Gustavo Villalobos and midfielder Paltemio Barbetti, both suspended.
Tarxien, too, have a couple of key players missing as defender Bruno is out with a one-match ban. Midfielder Carlos Hevia is sidelined with a pulled muscle while Brazilian pair Alex Alves (ankle) and Joao Pedro (knee) are rated as doubtful.
Previous results: Pembroke vs Tarxien 1-2, 1-0.
• Floriana will look to bounce back from a disappointing week with victory over Mosta tomorrow.
The Greens have seen their hopes of European football dashed with two defeats in the space of four days.
Last weekend’s league upset to Pembroke ended Floriana’s top-four hopes before they were knocked out of the FA Trophy by Birkirkara on Wednesday.
Coach Luis Oliveira is hopeful his players will, at least, end their campaign on a positive note but will have to do without midfielder Nicolas Chiesa and forward Matteo Piciollo, both suspended.
Mosta also have selection problems as midfielder Ice Cream Guobadia is suspended while his fellow Nigerian team-mates Sibi Gwar, Edile Micheletti and Fatai Alabi are all rated as doubtful.
Previous results: Mosta vs Floriana 2-1, 0-1.