Sliema Wanderers will be without three regular players for an important Premier League clash against Tarxien Rainbows this week after they were sanctioned by the Malta FA Disciplinary Commissioner yesterday.
On Sunday, the Wanderers, currently fourth in the standings, take on sixth-placed Tarxien Rainbows, who are just two points adrift, in a direct clash at the Hibs Stadium that could have a decisive bearing on both sides’ prospects of making the Championship Pool this season.
Sliema coach Alfonso Greco will head into this match without goalkeeper Henry Bonello, defender Andrew Decesare and midfielder Mark Scerri.
Yesterday, they were among ten Premier League players who received a one-match ban.
Bonello and Scerri were both shown a red card by referee Adrian Azzopardi in their team’s 2-0 defeat to Floriana while Decesare received his fourth booking of the season during the same match at the Tedesco Stadium on Monday.
Sliema have 20 points and lie just ahead of Mosta, Tarxien and Balzan as the race for a top-six place intensifies with the cham-pionship now in its second round.
Surely, none of these contenders can afford any slip-ups if they are to remain in a favourable position to avoid the Relegation Pool.
On Sunday, Tarxien will be without Brazilian midfielder Luiz Romulo de Castro who was given a one-match suspension for a fourth yellow card incurred during his team’s unexpected, but deserved, 1-1 draw against leaders Valletta.
In another direct clash, this time involving Championship Pool outsiders, Floriana will have to do without defender Tyrone Farrugia against Ħamrun Spartans at the Hibs Stadium.
Farrugia picked his fourth yellow card of the season against Sliema. On Sunday, the Reds will have winger Gianluca Calabretta sitting out due to suspension.
The other four Premier League players who were given a one-match ban yesterday were Hibs defender Adrian Pulis, who saw red in his team’s 1-0 win over Mosta, Balzan veteran Stefan Giglio, Melita striker Jose Luis Armaro Negrin and Qormi’s Matthew Gauci.