Qormi vs Hibs (today at 2p.m., NationalStadium).

This is a clash between two teams desperate to return to winning ways to improve their lowly position in the standings.

Hibs are virtually out of the running for a Championship Pool berth as their 2-1 reverse to Vittoriosa left them seven points off sixth place.

Qormi also face an uphill struggle after a 4-3 loss to Floriana.

Both teams will have new faces in their squad. Qormi have signed Greek defender Christoff Karamanolis. The 25-year-old is expected to replace Jason Lee Vandelanoitte who, at the time of writing, was still in talks to terminate his contract with Qormi after receiving an offer from English club Oldham.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Qormi coach, is beset by the suspension of Matthew Bartolo and Cleaven Frendo while Roderick Sammut is still sidelined with injury. Captain Joseph Farrugia and Stefan Giglio were due to undergo a fitness test yesterday.

Hibs coach Mark Miller is expected to give a debut to his two latest signings, 21-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Patrick Osei and Scottish winger David Fairbairn, 27. Matthew Clarke is doubtful and Tristan Caruana is still injured.

First round– Hibs vs Qormi 0-0.

Sliema Wanderers vs Valletta (today at 4p.m.,National Stadium).

All eyes will be on Ryan Fenech who is expected to make his debut for Valletta after completing his transfer from Ħamrun in midweek.

The Citizens, who yesterday released Nigerian striker Joseph Okonkwo, take on Sliema, the team with whom Fenech spent last season on loan.

Coming from a goalless draw with Marsaxlokk, Valletta are expected to go all out to get back in winning groove and turn up the heat on chasing duo Floriana and Tarxien.

Nigerian winger Omonigho Temile is ruled out by suspension and midfielder Jamie Pace has a minor injury. On the plus side, captain Gilbert Agius is expected to be in the squad after injury kept him out of Saturday’s stalemate.

Failure on Sliema’s part to gain something from today’s clash would all but kill their hopes of making the Championship Pool. Coach Mark Marlow is hoping for a repeat of his team’s solid performance in the 1-1 draw with Tarxien.

It emerged yesterday evening that Sliema have signed Etienne Barbara on a short-term deal. Barbara had been widely expected to join Floriana but the latter decided not to pursue interest in the 28-year-old who last year had a spell with American club Carolina Railhawks.

Sliema acted swiftly to snap up Barbara who cannot play today as his international transfer certificate has yet to arrive.

John Mintoff is still out of the equation for the Blues.

First round– Valletta vs Sliema 4-0.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Floriana (tomorrow at 2p .m.,Hibs Stadium).

Tarxien will have welcomed the news that Floriana have decided to end their interest in Michael Mifsud.

The Greens were on the verge of agreeing a deal with the Malta striker but the committee vetoed the bid late on Thursday after president Johan Said expressed concern that Mifsud’s signing would be too much of a financial burden on the club.

The supporters of Floriana will be hoping that the club’s on-andoff chase of Mifsud will not distract the team who have rose to second in the table after four wins in a row.

Nigerian striker Daniel Nwoke is out after picking up an injury. Midfielder Pablo Doffo must serve a one-match ban while Christian Cassar is still plagued by a knee problem.

Tarxien coach Noel Coleiro has no selection worries.

“With 25 points, we’re now sure of a Championship Pool place,” he said.

“We have achieved our first objective but we must now fight to reach a higher target.”

First round– Tarxien vs Floriana 2-0.

Vittoriosa Stars vs Birkirkara (tomorrow at4 p .m.,Hibs Stadium).

Andrei Agius and Rodolfo ‘Alemao’ Kumbrevicius are poised to make their first appearance for Birkirkara whose coach Paul Zammit is hopeful of having a full squad as winger Trevor Cilia has also made significant progress in his recovery from injury.

The Stripes come into this match in high spirits after halting a two match losing streak with a 2-0 defeat of Ħamrun. The same applies to Vittoriosa who gained only their second victory of the season after beating Hibs 2-1.

Pierre Aquilina is back in the fray for Vittoriosa. Coach Winston Muscat is without midfielder Carlos Campagnoli and Kevin Mifsud, both injured, while defender Sharlon Pace has left Vittoriosa to join Balzan Youths.

Johan Spiteri is also expected to spend the rest of the season in Division One as he is in talks with Lija.

First round– Vittoriosa vs Birkirkara 1-1.