Leaders Birkirkara face tricky Kirkop United test

Leaders and title favourites Birkirkara have a tricky test on paper this week as they face Kirkop United at the Mosta Ground tonight (kick-off: 8.15pm).   The Stripes cruised to a 7-1 victory over Fgura United in their last outing to return to winning ways following their 0-0 draw against Mġarr United. Birkirkara, who have a six-point lead over the Greens at the top of the BOV Women's League, had forward Raina Giusti netting a hat-trick in the win over Fgura. Giusti reached a century of goals for the club at the age of 21. On the other hand, Kirkop United are coming from three positive results in their last four encounters. Before falling to a narrow defeat against Swieqi United last week, the Reds had beaten Fgura United and Mosta, and held Hibernians to a 0-0 draw. These results propelled them to fourth place on 17 points. This will be the final programme before the league splits into the Championship and Relegation Pool – with the leading four teams playing in the top section. Kirkop need a win to secure their place in the Championship Pool. If they drop points, they will be hoping for a favour from Hibernians who meet Swieqi United. The Oranges take on Hibernians in Tuesday’s other fixture. They are in fine form after winning their last two games – against Fgura and Kirkop. Swieqi are just one point behind the Reds as they strive to claim a top-four finish for the first time since joining the league. Meanwhile, Hibernians are aiming to finish their 2018/19 league commitments in second place as they are five points behind Mġarr United. Last week, the Paolites eased past Mosta, winning 6-1. High-flying Mġarr United start as favourites to take maximum points from their clash with Mosta. While the Greens, boosted by Haley Bugeja’s 21 goals and Brenda Borg, the latest winner of the BOV Player of the Month award, are second on 31 points, the Blues are second-from-bottom with just five points to show. Elsewhere, Raiders (Luxol), whose positive campaign so far has seen them collect 13 points, meet bottom side Fgura United. STANDINGS (after 13 matches)Birkirkara 37 points; Mġarr United 31; Hibernians 26; Kirkop United 17; Swieqi United, Raiders 13; Mosta 5; Fgura United 2.PROGRAMMETUESDAY (TODAY) – 8.15pmSwieqi United vs Hibernians, Mġarr GroundBirkirkara vs Kirkop United, Mosta Ground WEDNESDAY (TOMORROW) – 8.15pmMosta vs Mġarr United, Mosta GroundRaiders (Luxol) vs Fgura United, Mġarr Ground