Hibernians vs Sliema Wanderers (today at 2 p.m., National Stadium)
Out of the title race, Hibs are now in danger of missing out on a top-three spot and qualification for European competitions as they are four points behind Qormi and Sliema in third place.
Hibs need to get their act together as quickly as possible if they are to salvage an otherwise disappointing season. As for Sliema, they will be looking to build on their strong display against Valletta not only to consolidate their position in the upper part of the table but also to stay in the title hunt.
Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, will demand a bold response from his team after their tame capitulation to Birkirkara.
The Paolites' chances of atoning for their poor showing last weekend are hampered by injuries to several players as Andrew Cohen and Miguel Lopes de Pina, who both missed the Birkirkara defeat due to suspension, and Ben Camilleri are doubtful.
Etienne Barbara appears to have played his last match for Hibs as Miller has decided to part with the striker who, later this month, will leave for the United States to join Carolina Railhawks.
Ryan Camilleri and the Cauchi twins, Yan and Elkien, are sidelined with injuries but Christian Callejas is in line to return after missing the Birkirkara game with a knee problem.
Sliema coach Mark Marlow can't pick the same team that started Saturday's win over Valletta as captain Ivan Woods is ruled out by suspension. The other players are all available for selection.
Results so far: Hibs vs Sliema 0-1, 2-2.
Dingli Swallows vs Floriana (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium)
Floriana should further ease their relegation worries tomorrow when they meet Dingli Swallows who last weekend became the first team to lose their place in the Premier League.
The Greens are in buoyant mood after their 2-1 victory over Msida St Joseph increased their gap on the Saints, second-from-bottom, to six points.
Defender Brian Said is out of the picture for tomorrow's clash with the Swallows after picking up a calf injury in the first half of last Sunday's match. Zoran Popovic, the Floriana coach, has no other selection problems bar long-term injury absentees Sunday Eboh, Christian Cassar and Marlon Briffa.
Dingli have nothing to play for in their remaining Premier League matches bar pride. After their 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Ħamrun Spartans, Dingli will be expected to raise their efforts to avoid another heavy defeat and perhaps replicate their surprising win over the Greens in the first round, the Swallows' only positive result in the Premier League this season.
Results so far: Dingli vs Floriana 2-1, 0-2.
Birkirkara vs Tarxien Rainbows (tomorrow at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium)
With three wins from their opening three Championship Pool matches, Birkirkara are fancied to stretch their positive streak when they clash with Tarxien tomorrow.
Valletta will draw level with Birkirkara on 29 points if they win today but Paul Zammit will surely urge his players not to pay too much attention to the result of their rivals' match against Qormi.
Victory for Birkirkara would restore their three-point lead at the top besides keeping their spirits sky-high ahead of their much-awaited clash with Valletta the weekend after this.
Zammit must make at least two changes from the team that had the better of Hibs last Saturday as Trevor Cilia and Rowen Muscat were given a one-match ban yesterday.
Tarxien Rainbows have yet to gain their first point in the Championship Pool after suffering three defeats on the run.
Coach Noel Coleiro reckons that his side's chances of breaking their duck against the in-form leaders are slim but he is calling on his players to deliver a positive showing to lift their morale ahead of their Anniversary Cup semi-final against Valletta on Wednesday night.
Kurt Magro and Justin Grioli are suspended for Tarxien but Brazilian striker Anderson Ribeiro is back in the fray after recovering from injury.
Results so far: Birkirkara vs Tarxien 2-0, 5-1.