The 3^rd round draws of the U*BET FA Trophy, which was given a facelift last year with participation open to clubs from all divisions including those from Gozo, reserved little luck for eight of the Premier league teams. Out of 32 participants in the hat eight teams from the top division were paired against each other when the draws were made by MFA CEO Bjorn Vassallo and Vassileos Kasiotakis, the Maltco Lotteries General Director.

Holders and seeded Hibernians will be facing tricky opponents Mosta, presently enjoying a fine run in the top division. On the other hand, league leaders Valletta, another seeded team, will face Hamrun Spartans who are showing signs of revival after their sloppy league start. Second-placed Birkirkara, also seeded, would have preferred other opponents rather than Tarxien Rainbows, a team also in fine fettle. The other premier teams to meet each other are Floriana (seeded) and Melita in a match which would certainly provide both sides with the opportunity to shake off their current inertia.

The other two seeded clubs in the premier division, Sliema Wanderers and Balzan will be meeting 3^rd Division Zebbuġ Rangers and Naxxar Lions from the 1^st Division respectively, while  

Rabatand Qormi will clash against Pieta Hotspurs form Division I and Pembroke from Division II.

The three Gozitan teams stiil in the competition, Sannat Lions, Nadur Youngsters and SK Victoria Wanderers  will fight for a place in the last 16 when they in turn come up against St Patrick (Div II) and Division One sides Zejtun Corinthians and Gżira Utd.  

The other pairings are Marsacala v St Venera, Lija v Ghargur, Msida v St Andews, Gudja v Senglea and Zurrieq v Mqabba.

The full list of  matches is as follows;