Birkirkara have their sights set on a return to winning ways when they take on Vittoriosa Stars at the Tedesco Stadium today.
With one point from their last two matches, the Stripes have slipped to fifth, six points adrift of leaders Valletta, and only a victory would appease coach Paul Zammit.
The champions’ task promises to be anything but easy as they face a Vittoriosa team high on confidence after upsetting Hibs 2-0 for their first win of the season.
Birkirkara, who were held to a one-all draw by Ħamrun, are plagued by injuries with Trevor Cilia joining their casualty list after suffering a knee problem in Friday’s game.
Rowen Muscat (ankle) and Alan Tabone (knee) are still out but Shaun Bajada may be recalled to the squad after making a swift recovery from an ankle problem.
Winston Muscat, the Vittoriosa coach, is still without defender Pierre Aquilina but Brazilian forward Edison Carabay is set to return.
MFA suspensions
Marsaxlokk striker Julio Alcorse was handed a two-match ban following his sending-off in the final stages of his team’s 2-0 defeat to Valletta.
Alcorse was dismissed after he collected a second yellow card for pushing Valletta’s Steve Borg.
Programme
Today: (Tedesco Stadium) 7.30 p.m. Birkirkara vs Vittoriosa.
Tomorrow: (Tedesco Stadium) 7.30 p.m. Valletta vs Sliema Wanderers.
Saturday: (Tedesco Stadium) 2 p.m. Floriana vs Tarxien; 4 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Ħamrun.
Monday: (Hibs Stadium) 7.30 p.m. Hibs vs Qormi.