Birkirkara’s Zach Muscat (left) beats Vittoriosa’s Mark Barbara to the ball during their league match. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Cup kings for the last two seasons, Hibernians launch their quest for a third straight FA Trophy success with a tie against neighbouring Division Two side Senglea Athletic as the 2013/14 Knock-Out com-petition, sponsored by U*Bet, springs to life with 12 third-round matches between today and tomorrow.

The third-round programme kicked off on Sunday when four Division One clubs, namely Gżira United, St Andrew’s, St George’s and Pietà, secured a place in the next round after seeing off opposition from lower divisions.

Hibernians will be on a hiding to nothing this evening as everyone expects them to ease past Senglea but, mindful of the cup’s tradition to throw up surprises, they are unlikely to take their modest opponents lightly.

Surely, the pressure on Hibs to start their KO defence with a resounding win will have increased after their 1-0 derby defeat to Tarxien Rainbows on Saturday spoiled their unbeaten record in the league.

“In this competition, we are hoping to go as far as possible,” Hibs coach Branko Nisevic told Times of Malta.

“Our aim is to reach the final and win this honour for the third season in a row.”

Nisevic warned his players against complacency.

“There have been many occasions when the big teams have struggled against smaller teams in cup ties,” Nisevic said.

“If the favourites don’t give their 100 per cent on the day, surprises can happen.

“We have to be very careful. We must take control of the game as early as possible.”

Defender Jonathan Pearson is set to return for Hibs after missing the Tarxien defeat through suspension. Nisevic may opt to give a chance to some of his fringe players but Obin-na Obiefule is out with a hamstring problem.

Senglea beat Kirkop United in the third round.

While the top-flight sides are fancied to make it through to the last 16, one is certain to fall by the wayside after the third round draw threw up an all-Premier League clash between champions Birkirkara and Vittoriosa Stars.

With five wins from their last five Premier League outings, Birkirkara are regarded as favourites to sweep past Vittoriosa but they will be forgiven for approaching tonight’s game with a tinge of apprehension.

This is not only because Vittoriosa can be a tough nut to crack, as they proved in the 2-0 league defeat to their impending opponents just over two weeks ago, but moreso because memories of their embarrassing exits to Ħamrun Spartans and Qormi in the last two FA Trophy competitions still haunt the Stripes.

“This is a very important game for us,” Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, said. “You have to keep in mind that our results in the FA Trophy in the last two seasons were anything but positive.

“It’s not a question of making up for those upsets but we’re looking forward to advancing as far as we can because the FA Trophy is one of the major honours in Maltese football.

“Sooner or later, you have to face a Premier League team in the cup but in a way, we (Birkirkara and Vittoriosa) were both unfortunate to be drawn against each other at such an early stage of the competition.

“It’s a one-day test and you can’t slip up because a loss in the cup means elimination.

“We must be very concentrated.”

Nigerian forward Shola Shodiya Haruna is out with a thumb fracture while midfielders Gareth Sciberras (shoulder) and Rowen Muscat (foot) remain doubtful.

Vittoriosa are not expected to make drastic changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Balzan on Saturday.

Valletta, on a high after their 6-0 mauling of Mosta on Sunday, kick off their bid for a 13th Trophy title against Division One side Melita.

Sliema Wanderers, who lead the all-time FA Trophy winners’ list with 20 triumphs, one ahead of Old Firm rivals Floriana, will be relishing the chance to avenge their shock elimination to Żebbuġ Rangers last season when they meet the Division One team tomorrow.

Gozitan clubs Victoria Hotspurs and SK Victoria Wanderers face an uphill struggle to survive in the competition as they are up against Premier League sides Floriana and Qormi respectively.

Programme

Playing today
Centenary Stadium: 6pm Naxxar vs Gudja; 8.15pm Hibs vs Senglea. Sirens Stadium: 6pm Mdina vs Kerċem; 8.15pm Sirens vs Rabat.
Tedesco Stadium: 6pm Birżebbuġa SP vs Balzan; 8.15pm Birkirkara vs Vittoriosa.

Tomorrow
Centenary Stadium: 6pm Mellieħa vs Tarxien; 8.15pm Sliema vs Żebbuġ. Sirens Stadium: 6pm Floriana vs Victoria Hotspurs; 8.15pm Qormi vs SK Victoria Wanderers.
Tedesco Stadium: 6pm Melita vs Valletta; 8.15pm Lija vs Mosta.