Hibernians vs Qormi (today at 2 p.m., National Stadium).

Hibernians will be determined to keep the pressure on Birkirkara and Valletta with victory over Qormi as Premier League football returns to Ta’ Qali following the re-seeding process at the National Stadium.

The Paolites seem to have put behind them last month’s struggles as three wins in a row propelled the side back into the reckoning.

Hibs coach Michael Woods, who will complete a two-match touchline ban today, is forced to make at least one change from the team that beat Mosta 1-0 on Monday as Adrian Pulis must serve a one-match ban.

Brazilian midfielder Jackson Lima is struggling with an abdominal injury and is rated as doubtful.

Qormi, too, have shown signs of recovery lately as back-to-back victories over Tarxien Rainbows and Rabat Ajax have put them back in the race for a top-six place.

Qormi have defender Matthew Gauci ruled out by suspension while Italian striker Vincenzo Pisani is unavailable as he returned to his homeland due to family matters.

Matthew Bartolo and Roderick Sammut are still sidelined with injuries.

First round result: Qormi vs Hibs 2-4.

Valletta vs Mosta (today at 4 p.m., National Stadium).

Without a win in their last four league outings, Valletta have their sights firmly set on all three points as they play the inconsistent Mosta side.

Four identical 1-1 draws on the trot against less-quoted opponents have inevitably tarnished City’s early-season momentum and coach Mark Miller has been working hard this week to keep his players’ morale high ahead of what promises to be another tricky test.

The champions will have to do without defender Steve Borg, still recovering from minor knee surgery, while Malta striker Michael Mifsud is struggling with a niggling groin injury.

Mifsud will undergo a late fitness test today before Miller decides on his team selection.

Mosta had little to smile about lately as two successive defeats have put their top-six quest in jeopardy.

Today, the Blues will have to start without midfielder Jonathan Bajada who is hampered with knee trouble.

First round result: Mosta vs Valletta 1-3.

Sliema Wanderers vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

This is a direct clash between two teams currently battling against each other for a place in the Championship Pool.

With just two points separating fourth-placed Sliema and the Rainbows, in sixth position, neither team can afford to lose this match if they are to keep themselves in a good position for a top-six finish.

Sliema coach Alfonso Greco has a tough task on his hand to name his strongest formation as goalkeeper Henry Bonello, defender Andrew Decesare and midfielder Mark Scerri are all ruled out with a one-match ban.

The Italian coach is hopeful to have Ivan Woods available after the veteran striker missed the 2-0 defeat to Floriana because of injury.

For Clive Mizzi, the Tarxien coach, this will be the first match against his former employers since his unexpected departure from the Sliema clan in summer.

Tomorrow, Mizzi will be without mid-fielder Luis Romulo de Castro, who is suspended, while Carlo Mamo is still sidelined with a muscle strain.

First round result: Tarxien vs Sliema 2-3.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Floriana (tomorrow at 4 pm., Hibs Stadium).

Ħamrun and Floriana go head-to-head in an almost decisive clash that could prejudice either team’s outside challenge for a place in the top half of the table.

Currently five points adrift of sixth place, both the Greens and the Reds will be careful not to drop precious points from this match to try and enter the race for a place in the Championship Pool.

Coach Stephen Azzopardi, glad to have chalked up his first three-pointer for Floriana following the fine 2-0 win over the Wanderers, is forced to do without defender Tyrone Farrugia, suspended, while Karl Tremarco (hamstring) and Brooke Farrugia (knee) are injured.

Ħamrun coach Stefan Sultana saw his team squander a two-goal lead against Balzan in the Reds’ last outing and will hope for a major improvement from his players tomorrow.

Sultana is sure to make one change from the team that lost to Balzan 3-2 as Gianluca Calabretta is suspended.

The winger was sanctioned this week after collecting his fourth yellow card.

First round result: Floriana vs Ħamrun Spartans 1-1.