The battle for survival takes centre-stage this evening as Mosta and Mqabba will be hoping that results go their way as they look to avoid joining Marsaxlokk in Division One next season.
Third-from-bottom Mosta are favourites to win the fight against relegation as they only need a point from their match against Qormi at the National Stadium to secure their status while Mqabba must beat Ħamrun Spartans at the Hibs Stadium and hope that the Blues slip up to force a decider.
Both matches kick off at 8 p.m.
Mosta will surely fancy their chances of reaching their aim as they come into the match against Qormi on the back of a 5-0 win over Marsaxlokk.
Steve D’Amato, the Mosta coach, is urging his players to approach the match with total focus as they look to finish the job this evening.
“This is a crucial match for us as we still need a point to make sure of retaining our Premier League status,” D’Amato said.
“Last week’s victory against Marsaxlokk has put us in a very strong position and our fate is in our hands. Our aim is to win and I’m confident that the players will be able to complete the job against Qormi.”
The Mosta coach is without Kurt Magro, out with a fractured foot, while Jonathan Bajada is unlikely to be included after the young midfielder picked up a one-match ban while playing with the club’s U-19 team.
Qormi, on their part, will be without Luke Sciberras who has an Achilles injury while Jonathan Bondin is ruled out with a knee problem. Brazilian striker Jorginho is rated as doubtful with back pain.
Mqabba have no room for error in today’s match as they must take all points and hope that Qormi defeat Mosta.
Coach Clive Mizzi, who is set to succeed Danilo Doncic as coach of Sliema Wanderers next season, has not given up hope of avoiding the drop.
“We are aware that a win against Ħamrun may not be enough to force a relegation decider but we are still obliged to give it a go,” Mizzi said.
“Last week’s defeat to Qormi left us in a very difficult position but we must keep believing and the players will take the field determined to take all points. If that is not enough, at least we would leave the Premier League with our heads held high.”
The Mqabba coach is plagued by the absence of five first-team players as goalkeeper Kris Calleja and defenders Ryan Sammut and Pierre Grima are suspended while Marlon Briffa (groin) and John Nwoba (hamstring) are injured.
Ħamrun have virtually a full squad to choose from as Dene Shields has returned to training.
Results so far: Qormi vs Mosta 4-1, 0-1, 0-2; Mqabba vs Ħamrun Spartans 2-3, 2-0, 0-0.
Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 6 p.m., National Stadium).
The two Old Firm rivals meet for the last time this season with nothing but pride at stake. Sliema are out of the running for European qualification while Floriana are guaranteed of playing in the Europa League next season.
Joe Brincat, the Floriana coach, is hoping to guide his players to victory in their final appearance of the season as he looks to boost his chances of extending his stay at the club.
The former Malta international is expected to discuss his future with the club’s committee this weekend.
Defender Tyrone Farrugia is doubtful for the Greens after picking up a knock in last week’s derby defeat against Valletta.
Sliema have several problems as, apart from long-term absentees Rumen Galabov, Jerry Ani and Andrew Decesare, Doncic is also without defender Ryan Grech (knee) and goalkeeper Anthony Curmi (arm).
For Doncic today’s match against Floriana will be his last as Sliema coach. The Serb is reportedly attracting the interest of a host of Premier League clubs.
Results so far: Sliema vs Floriana 1-0, 0-0, 1-3.
Birkirkara vs Balzan Youths (today at 6 p.m., Hibs Stadium).
Birkirkara will be looking to wrap up their season with victory over Balzan Youths as they seek to beat Floriana in the race for the platonic third place.
Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, welcomes back Rodrigo Pereira, Shaun Bajada, Angus Buhagiar and Nikola Vukanac who missed the team’s 4-1 win over Sliema through suspension. Midfielder Rowen Muscat is doubtful with a calf strain.
Balzan will be without defender Jonathan Francica, unavailable, and midfielder Jamie Pace, suspended, while Dylan Grima, Bjorn Bondin, Renie Forace and Matthew Camilleri are doubtful.
Results so far: Balzan vs Birkirkara 1-2, 0-4, 0-5.
Playing tomorrow (National Stadium 4 p.m. Valletta vs Hibs.