The annual Carlsberg tournament, organised by Hibernians, kicks off this evening with the opening two matches at the Hibs Stadium.
This year, the tournament sees the participation of four BOV Premier League clubs, namely Malta champions Birkirkara, newly-promoted Marsaxlokk, Qormi and Hibs.
Held every year since 1991, the Hibs tournament has become a popular appointment for local clubs as it gives the coaches the chance to gauge their team’s level of fitness and to try out players who are on trial.
Hibernians face Marsaxlokk in the opening match this evening (kick-off 7). This second match pits Birkirkara, winners of the Carlsberg Tournament last year, against Qormi (9 p.m.).
For the Stripes, today’s match comes only two days after their 3-2 extra-time defeat to Valletta in the BOV Super Cup final on Saturday.
Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is widely expected to rest some first-choice players for the clash with Qormi who will be looking to improve on their performances in last week’s Powerade Cup.
On Wednesday, Hibs meet Qormi and Birkirkara play Marsaxlokk in the second match.
The tournament concludes on Friday with the final two matches, Qormi-Marsaxlokk and Hibs-Birkirkara.