Marsaxlokk vs Tarxien Rainbows (today at 2 p.m, Hibs Stadium).

Tarxien Rainbows and Marsaxlokk will be looking to gain maximum points from their direct encounter to pull further clear of their chasing Championship Pool rivals.

Both teams failed to sparkle in their last outings as the Rainbows lacked their usual cutting edge in a goalless draw against Birkirkara while Marsaxlokk suffered a 1-0 defeat to Qormi.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, is without wing-back Justin Grioli, suspended, but is buoyed by the return of Brazilian midfielder Sergio who missed the Birkirkara match due to illness.

Marsaxlokk are hoping to get the go-ahead from the Malta FA to register a new foreign player, 20-year-old Italian defender Luca Lodetti who is a free agent.

Apart from defender Clive Brincat, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, Marsaxlokk coach Patrick Curmi has no selection worries.

First round – Tarxien vs Marsaxlokk 0-0.

Hibernians vs Floriana (today at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium).

Floriana will fancy their chances of prolonging their positive run of late when they take on the misfiring Hibernians this afternoon.

The Greens are on a high after picking up four points from their last two matches, against Sliema Wanderers and Valletta, to move up to second in the standings.

Coach Todor Raykov hopes that his players maintain their consistency as Floriana are bracing themselves for a string of difficult tests, starting with today’s encounter against Hibs.

The Bulgarian coach must make at least two changes from the team he fielded against Valletta as Christian Caruana and Joseph Borg have been given a one-match ban. Bulgarian midfielder Kiril Dzhorov is still recovering from a foot injury.

While the Greens have been an upward-moving team in the last few weeks, the same cannot be said of Hibernians who are one place off the bottom with only seven points from nine matches.

Coach Mark Miller is keeping his fingers crossed that his team will end their winning drought against the Greens, the only team the Paolites have beaten in the top flight this season.

Miller hopes to complete the signing of Portuguese winger Paolo who has impressed during his trial over the past few weeks.

The English coach is hampered by the absence of Ryan Camilleri, Matthew Tabone and Triston Caruana, all injured, while Richie Hart, Paul McManus and Jean Paul Farrugia are rated as doubtful.

First round result – Floriana vs Hibernians 1-3.

Birkirkara vs Sliema Wanderers (tomorrow at 4 p.m., National Stadium).

Matches between Birkirkara and Sliema are usually top-of-the-table clashes but their inconsistency in the first round has left the two sides deeply embroiled in the tight race for Championship Pool places.

Birkirkara, the reigning champions, have so far failed to keep the pace with title favourites Valletta who lead the Stripes by eight points.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is unlikely to have been impressed with his team’s performance in the goalless draw against Tarxien as the Stripes lacked bite in the final third of the pitch.

Midfielder Rowen Muscat is expected to miss tomorrow’s game after sustaining an ankle injury against the Rainbows while Trevor Cilia is in line to return to the first team after coming on as a substitute on Sunday.

Sliema have had a stuttering start to the season. Without a win in their last six matches, the Blues have plummeted to third from bottom with only nine points.

Victory tomorrow is essential for Mark Marlow’s team who are boosted by the return to fitness of Obinna Obiefule. Alex Muscat and Clayton Failla are still recovering from long-term injuries.

First round – Sliema vs Birkirkara 1-4.

Valletta vs Vittoriosa Stars (Monday at 7.30 p.m., Tedesco Stadium).

Valletta are expected to keep their stranglehold on top spot when they meet bottom team Vittoriosa Stars in the closing fixture of this weekend’s programme.

The Citizens go into the match in high spirits after a 2-0 victory over Ħamrun Spartans widened their lead at the top to seven points and extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

Defender Ramon and midfielder Jamie Pace are back in the reckoning for Valletta after suspension kept them out of the Spartans’ win.

Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa is concerned about the fitness of Jonathan Caruana and Gilbert Agius who are struggling with knocks. Dyson Falzon is out as he must serve a one-match ban.

Vittoriosa will be bidding to make up for the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ħamrun which ended their four-match unbeaten run.

Coach Winston Muscat is keen for his players to be more clinical up front as their lack of sharpness cost them dear against the Spartans.

Brazilian midfielder Edison Tarabay is available for selection after completing his two-match ban but Leighton Grech is suspended for Monday’s game. Pierre Aquilina (knee) and Mauro Brincat (ankle) are still sidelined with injuries.

First round – Valletta vs Vittoriosa 3-0.