Balzan start today’s second leg at Neftci Baku two goals down.

With qualification hopes rather slim following damaging first leg defeats, Hibernians and Balzan will both look to produce better fares in today’s return matches from the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

The Paolites host Spartak Trnava at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off: 8pm) facing a very difficult task to reverse last week’s 3-0 upset to their opponents from Slovakia.

Hibs coach Mark Miller has no plans to throw in the towel that easily though and vowed that his team will be going all out in search of an early goal that, perhaps, could re-open the issue.

“I was disappointed with our performance in the first leg as I felt that we played well for good patches.

“However, we got caught at the back on a couple of occasions and the home side made the most of those chances,” Miller told Times of Malta.

“At 3-0 down the tie looks very difficult for us but we’ll have a go at Spartak and see what happens. Scoring early could infuse some panic in their players.

“Our physical condition continues to improve in the meantime. So, expect Hibs to show better play at home and prove that we are a much better team than the one we saw in the first leg.”

Hibernians are boosted by the return of two key players as midfielder Bjorn Kristensen and striker Jorginho were both declared fit for the match.

Miller said the Europa League provided him with an ideal opportunity to look at all his players in the squad before decisions on new signings, if any, are taken ahead of the new domestic season.

“The players know that I’m looking for answers from them,” Miller contended.

“At Hibs, we are trying to assemble a strong squad and we could strengthen the team with new players this summer.

“This match is another chance for the ones currently at us to stake their claim and be part of this team for the new season.”

Balzan are in Azerbaijan where today they will face Neftci Baku (kick-off: 6pm) who won the first leg 2-0, in Malta, last week.

The result was somewhat harsh on Oliver Spiteri’s team following a spirited performance, particularly in the second half.

Balzan piled the pressure on the Azeris only to concede a late penalty that made things more difficult for them in Baku today.

Referee Zammit’s debut

Malta FA referee Fyodor Zammit has been appointed by UEFA to officiate in today’s Europa League match between Moldova’s Zaria Balti and Videoton, of Hungary.

This will be Zammit’s first match as referee in the Europa League since being included on the FIFA List in January this year.

The match will be played at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau.

Videoton won the first leg 3-0.

Zammit’s assistant referees this evening will be Duncan Sultana and Roberto Vella.

Glen Tonna has been appointed as the fourth official.