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Unbeaten Floriana in tough clash with upbeat Spartans

Published: 22-09-2017 15:20
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Floriana face a potentially tricky assignment at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday as they meet Ħamrun Spartans who are just one point behind them in the BOV Premier League standings.  The Greens, who hammered St Andrews 4-0 in their last outing, have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season as they are still unbeaten. Giovanni Tedesco, the Floriana coach, must make do without Malta midfielder Steve Pisani who begins a three-match ban following his red card in the St Andrews win. For their part, the Spartans, who are coming from a goalless draw against Balzan are level with Hibernians and Senglea Athletic on seven points. Coach Jacques Scerri has lost the services of his Brazilian forward Pedro Enrique who will be serving the first of a four-game suspension.  Ħamrun have only lost to Hibernians so far this season and their early form suggests that they can challenge for a top-five position. COMPELLING FIXTUREAnother compelling fixture this weekend is that between Balzan and Valletta which wraps up matchday five.  Valletta are currently second on 10 points, two behind leaders Gżira United. The Citizens only dropped two points in a goalless draw against Naxxar Lions but they have yet to concede a goal.  It is in attack where Valletta are lacking firepower as they have won three games with an identical 1-0 scoreline. Balzan have endured a difficult start as they only have five points from their opening four matches. They hope to return to winning ways after goalless draws against Sliema Wanderers and Ħamrun Spartans and defeat against St Andrews.  Striker Bojan Kaljevic and midfielder Paul Fenech will be missing for Balzan, both suspended. HIBS-MOSTAFriday’s only game at the Centenary Stadium sees Hibernians take on Mosta.  Hibs coach Mark Miller will be forced to make at least two changes from the 3-2 defeat against leaders Gżira as Marcelo Dias and Rui Da Gracia Gomes are suspended after both saw red last weekend. Mosta, on the other hand, are on a high after their 3-1 win over Tarxien Rainbows took them up to seventh place on six points, just one behind champions Hibernians. Coach Johann Scicluna welcomes back Kurt Magro who was suspended for the Tarxien match. GŻIRA ON A HIGHGżira United will be optimistic about their chances of making it five wins in a row when they meet St Andrews.  The Maroons’ 3-2 victory over Hibernians last weekend showed that their position at the top of the table is no fluke. St Andrews coach Mark Glumac is looking for his first win after starting with a 4-0 defeat to Floriana. The Saints will be without Tano Azian who must serve a one-match ban after his sending-off in the Floriana loss. In other games, Lija Athletic, who are still looking for their first win, face Sliema Wanderers while Birkirkara are unlikely to underestimate Naxxar Lions after losing to Senglea Athletic last weekend. Ndaye is suspended for the Lions. BUOYANT SENGLEASaturday's programme at the Victor Tedesco Stadium opens with the game between Tarxien Rainbows and Senglea. The Yellow-Reds are euphoric after claiming Birkirkara’s scalp and look forward to extending their promising start.  Tarxien, led by Josè Borg, are desperate to register their first points after losing four games on the run.