Precious points are at stake for the four teams involved in this evening’s fixtures at the Tedesco Stadium as they seek to improve their position in the BOV Premier League standings.

Birkirkara are under pressure to put their Championship Pool bid back on track with victory over bottom-placed Marsaxlokk in today’s second match (20.15).

The Stripes still have work to do to secure a top-six finish this season as last week’s 1-0 defeat to Sliema Wanderers saw them slip to sixth place on 23 points, just two points ahead of Balzan Youths.

This week, Birkirkara strengthened their attacking options with the signing of Brazilian striker Jorge Santos Silva who obtained his release from Sliema Wanderers on Wednesday.

The former Vittoriosa Stars striker is expected to make his debut this evening, provided Birkirkara file his registration documents at the Malta FA offices before kick-off.

Jorge’s arrival is a boost for coach Paul Zammit who has been desperate to boost his side’s firepower.

Jorge is unlikely to be Birkirkara’s last signing during this month’s transfer window as Dutch defender Regillio Nooitmeer, who last played for Finnish outfit FC Haka, is close to agreeing a deal to join the former Malta champions until the end of the season.

Tonight, Zammit will have to make do without Gareth Sciberras and Joseph Zerafa, both suspended, while Andrew Decesare returns after serving his two-match ban.

Marsaxlokk are in dire need of points to improve their hopes of avoiding relegation after the 4-0 reverse to Floriana last weekend left them bottom of the table.

The Blues, who have lost five of their last six matches, have completed the signing of Serbian midfielder Nemanja Boskovic after his international transfer certificate arrived yesterday. Coach Anton Cremona will also have Luke Agius in his squad after the young midfielder joined Marsaxlokk on loan from Floriana.

Marsaxlokk are also giving a trial to Peter Taiye Oladotun. The Nigerian striker, who was on the books of Albanian side KS Kamza, is discussing personal terms with the club.

Defender Patrick Borg, on loan from Birkirkara, can’t take on his former team-mates this evening as he is suspended while fellow centre-half Clive Brincat is ruled out with a knee injury.

First round result: Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 1-2.

Relegation clash

Mosta and Ħamrun Spartans have their sights firmly set on taking the three points in today’s opening match as a win would improve their chances of retaining their place in the Premier League.

Mosta come into the match in high spirits after their 2-1 win over fellows-in-distress Tarxien Rain-bows lifted them off bottom place. No doubt, the Blues will be determined to maintain their positive run with victory over another relegation rival.

Coach Stephen D’Amato has revived Mosta’s fortunes since replacing Oliver Spiteri who has taken charge of Division One side Vittoriosa Stars. Under D’Amato, Mosta have conceded only one defeat in five league matches –a 1-0 loss to Valletta.

Mosta striker Gilbert Martin must serve a one-match ban while defender Bryan Agius is unavailable as he is overseas. Midfielder Sheldon Grech is also set to miss out as he has yet to recover from an ankle problem.

Ħamrun, for their part, are in a crisis as back-to-back defeats to Floriana and Qormi not only shatterd their Championship Pool hopes but left them facing a tough fight to avoid the drop.

Jesmond Zammit, the Ħamrun Spartans coach, is sure to be without goalkeeper Omar Borg who was handed a one-match ban after his dismissal in the 3-0 defeat to Qormi.

On a more positive note, the Spartans will have experienced striker Gaetan Spiteri back in the fray after he served a four-match ban.

First round result: Ħamrun Spartans vs Mosta 1-0.

Lima joins Hibs

Meanwhile, Jackson Lima yesterday completed his move to Hibs after quitting Sliema. The Brazilian playmaker signed an 18-month contract with the Paolites after agreeing personal terms with the title hopefuls on Wednesday.

Lima, 29, is the second foreign player to join Hibs in the last six days after Belgian defender Jason Lee Vandelannoite made his debut for the Paolites in the 1-1 draw against Valletta on Saturday.

Programme

Today (Tedesco Stadium)
18.00 Ħamrun Spartans vs Mosta; 20.15 Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk.
Tomorrow (National Stadium)
14.00 Floriana vs Qormi; 16.00 Tarxien Rainbows vs Hibs.
Sunday (Hibs Stadium)
14.00 Balzan Youths vs Sliema Wanderers; 16.00 Valletta vs Mqabba.