The relegation battle has been a three-way fight between Ħamrun Spartans, Rabat Ajax and Melita but Balzan are becoming increasingly apprehensive about their position after gaining only three points from their last five games.

This evening, Balzan must overcome Floriana, the most in-form team in the Relegation Pool, to make a giant step towards salvation but the highlight of the day is the clash between Ħamrun and Rabat who are separated by two points.

Stefan Sultana, the Ħamrun coach, hopes that the crucial 3-2 win over Balzan inspires his players to a strong finale.

“Our victory over Balzan was important not only because it lifted our morale but also because it enabled us to climb above Rabat in the table,” Sultana said.

“The team’s performance was very encouraging but if we fail to win our next game, the benefit of our result against Balzan would diminish significantly.”

Striker Terrence Scerri, who has just completed his recovery from a cruciate operation, is suspended after the Spartans failed to file his medical certificate with the MFA.

French striker Loic Lumbilla has not recovered fully but is in line to be in the squad while David Camilleri and Bledjon Guga are back from suspension.

Rabat coach Silvio Vella is hampered by the absence of goalkeeper Sean Mintoff, sus-pended, and defender Clive Brincat who is out with a knee injury.

Vella insisted that all Relegation Pool games are essentially decisive.

“All 10 Relegation Pool matches are decisive,” Vella said. “This match means a lot because we only have four left to save our status.”

Rabat’s 4-0 loss to Qormi left Vella perplexed as, only five days earlier, the Magpies produced a sprightly display in their 3-0 dismissal of Balzan.

“There was no comparison between the two performances,” Vella said.

“We must rise to the occasion in the next game.

“You can’t forget the last performance overnight but in the life of a player and coach, you must put setbacks behind you and focus on the next game.”

In today’s second fixture, Balzan will be looking to snap a run of five games without a win when they take on Floriana who have won five of their last six matches.

Balzan coach Riccardo Tumiatti must cope without Renato Con-ceicao and Aaron Agius, sus-pended, while Christian Caruana is doubtful.

Floriana are expected to be at full strength.

Previous results: Ħamrun vs Rabat 1-1, 3-1, 2-1. Balzan vs Floriana 1-3, 1-3, 1-1.

Programme

Today (Hibs Stadium 6pm): Ħam-run vs Rabat ; 8pm Balzan vs Floriana.

Tomorrow (National Stadium 3pm): Melita vs Qormi; 5pm Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta.

Sunday (National Stadium 3pm): Tarxien Rainbows vs Mosta; 5pm Hibs vs Birkirkara.

Division One

Today (Centenary Stadium 6pm): Pietà Hotspurs vs St Andrew’s; 8pm Gżira Utd vs Dingli Swallows.