Hibs-Valletta tops billing on MD4 of BOV Premier League

The 2020/21 BOV Premier League returns after the international break with another interesting programme. The highlight fixture is the clash between Hibernians and Valletta while early pace-setters Ħamrun Spartans will be going all out to extend their perfect start.  Gżira United vs Mosta (Friday – Centenary Stadium, 5pm) After an uplifting 3-1 victory over Valletta, Gżira United resume their league trek Mosta. The Blues staged a remarkable comeback, fighting back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Balzan thanks to Bojan Kaljevic’s hat-trick in their last outing before the international break. The Maroons are eyeing the three points to make further inroads into the top part of the table while Mosta will be looking to consolidate their mid-table position. Santa Lucia vs Floriana (Friday – Centenary Stadium, 9.15 pm) Floriana will be targeting back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they face Santa Lucia who, on their part, are still looking for their first victory after three matches. The Greens will be looking to build on their narrow 3-2 win over Sirens before the international break while Santa Lucia will be aiming to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Sliema Wanderers. Midfielder Nicola Leone is out of Friday’s match as he must serve a one-match ban. Balzan vs Lija Athletic (Saturday – National Stadium, 3pm) An interesting derby is on the cards between neighbours Balzan and Lija Athletic who will be chasing the three points after their last outings ended in a draw. Balzan drew 3-3 with Mosta while Lija Athletic featured in a goalless draw against Birkirkara. American Eric Woods returns from suspension for Balzan while Lija Athletic will be banking on prolific striker Erjon Beu in their quest for more points as they strive to extend their encouraging start to the season. Gudja United vs Ħamrun Spartans (Saturday – National Stadium, 7.15pm)Early leaders Ħamrun Spartans will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record but their task promises to be anything but easy as they will be up against a Gudja United who are also unbeaten after three matches. Malta midfielder Matthew Guillaumier, is expected to make his debut for the Spartans following his move from Birkirkara at the end of the transfer market. Gudja United, under the guidance of Jesmond Zammit, will be vying to maintain their positive start as they are second in the standings on seven points. Birkirkara vs Żejtun Corinthians (Saturday – Centenary Stadium, 7.15 pm) Birkirkara face Żejtun Corinthians on Saturday in a clash between two sides looking to record their first league win. The Stripes will be seeking to put their early-season difficulties behind them having claimed only one point from three matches so far. Żejtun Corinthians will be looking to make amends for their 1-0 loss to Gudja United in their last league outing. Hibernians vs Valletta (Sunday – National Stadium, 3pm) Matches between Hibernians and Valletta always generate great expectations and enthusiasm as these two clubs always set out to challenge for the honours. The two sides are currently sharing third spot along Floriana, having won two and lost one of their opening three matches. Stefano Sanderra and Jesmond Zerafa, the coaches of Hibernians and Valletta respectively, are expected to field their best possible formation with the Paolites eyeing their third consecutive victory while the Citizens will be going all out to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Gżira United. Senglea Athletic vs Sliema Wanderers (Sunday – National Stadium, 7.15 pm) Sliema Wanderers’ strong start to the season is in stark contrast with the early-season problems encountered by Senglea Athletic who have revamped their squad in the close season. Unbeaten after three matches, the Blues will be looking to claim another victory following their resounding 3-1 result over Santa Lucia in their last league outing. Senglea suffered a 3-0 defeat against Ħamrun Spartans.