Valletta face Hibernians in top match of MD19 – Preview

Żejtun Corinthians vs Birkirkara (Friday – Centenary Stadium, 5pm)Two in-form sides go head to head as Birkirkara face Żejtun Corinthians who had emerged 3-2 winners in the first round.  Since that upset, Birkirkara have shown significant improvement, overcoming a very difficult start to force their way back into the top positions of the standings. On the other hand, Żejtun will be vying to build on their recent positive results with three wins and two draws in their last five outings. Both teams are on a high with Birkirkara beating Lija Athletic 4-1 in their last outing and the Corinthians edging neighbours Gudja United. Cain Attard will be missing for Birkirkara due to suspension but Roderick Briffa is back in contention. Żejtun Corinthians are boosted by the return of Brazilian Lucas Gama Moreira. Floriana vs Santa Lucia (Friday – Centenary Stadium, 9pm) A very important game for Floriana who are struggling in the bottom part of the table, albeit their task will be anything but easy as they will face Santa Lucia. The champions are finding the going tough, chalking up just three points from a total of 27 in their last nine matches. The Saints will also be looking to bounce back after losing narrowly to Sliema Wanderers last week, although they are still in a solid mid-table position. Santa Lucia will be aiming to do the double over Floriana, having beaten them 2-1 earlier in the season. Brandon Paiber is suspended for Floriana but they welcome back in the team Alex Cini, Nicola Leone and Matias Garcia. A significant absentee for the Saints is wing-back Victor Luiz Filho who will serve a one-match ban. This will be the first of two encounters between Floriana and Santa Lucia as they will meet again on Wednesday in the FA Trophy Round of 32. Tarxien Rainbows vs Sirens (Saturday – National Stadium, 2pm) This is a clash between two sides looking to climb up the standings. The Rainbows are in a perilous situation, having lost their last three league outings, while the improving Sirens are chasing their third victory on the bounce and move further clear of the relegation zone. Cameroonian striker Raphael Kooh Sohna will be missing due to suspension for Tarxien but coach Winston Muscat welcomes back Matthew Tabone. Sirens coach Giovanni Tedesco is likely to stick with the same team that the obtained a 2-1 win over Floriana last week. The first-round meeting between Tarxien and Sirens finished 2-2. Lija Athletic vs Balzan (Saturday – Hibernians Stadium, 2pm) A pivotal match for both with Balzan currently on 19 points and Lija Athletic seven points adrift but buoyed by two wins from three matches. Back-to-back wins for the first time this season is the target for side led by coach Joseph Galea against their neighbours who likewise will be looking to build on their resounding 4-1 win in their last outing against Mosta. Balzan coach Mark Miller is likely to retain the same formation from the last match. Lija, on the other hand, will be without suspended duo, Clayton Giordimaina and Goncalves Valdo Alhinho. The first-round encounter between the two sides was balanced, Balzan prevailing 1-0. Sliema Wanderers vs Senglea Athletic (Saturday – National Stadium, 6pm) Judging by recent form, Sliema Wanderers start favourites to gain the three points against bottom side Senglea Athletic. Despite their off-field difficulties, the Wanderers have done well to take four points from their last two matches – a 1-0 victory over Santa Lucia and a goalless draw against Valletta. Senglea are still looking for their first league win but will be aiming to build on their FA Trophy win over Nadur Youngsters in midweek. Sliema’s John Mintoff will serve the second of his three-match ban. The first-round match ended 2-0 in Sliema’s favour. Mosta vs Gżira United (Saturday – Hibernians Stadium, 6pm) Gżira United will be resolute to get back to winning ways after their midweek 1-1 draw against Gudja United. The Maroons have little margin for error if they are to maintain the pressure on leading duo Ħamrun Spartans and Hibernians. Mosta have all but secured their Premier League status but they will be bidding to regain their form after suffering three consecutive defeats. Mosta will be without the suspended duo of Tyrone Farrugia and Gianluca Sciberras. Gżira will be missing Jackson Mendoza who is suspended. Valletta vs Hibernians (Sunday – National Stadium, 2pm) The top fixture of the weekend is the clash between Valletta and Hibernians. Both sides are in need of crucial points. Hibernians are challenging for the title and have further strengthened their squad with the most recent capture this week of Gilmar Ribeiro, added to the other January signings – Tiago Fonseca and Imanol Iriberri. Valletta also need points to kickstart their recovery and revive their hopes of European qualification. The Whites must overcome their goal drought after failing to find the back of the net in their last three outings. Both Valletta and Hibernians are likely to field their best possible formation. The first-round encounter ended 1-1. Ħamrun Spartans vs Gudja United (Sunday – National Stadium, 6pm) Ħamrun Spartans lock horns with Gudja United in a tricky match for the leaders. Gudja ended a two-match losing run after forcing a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Gżira United in midweek. The Spartans will be looking to repeat their first-round win after narrowly beating Gudja 1-0. Ħamrun coach Mark Buttigieg returns to the dug-out after cpmpleting his two-match ban . Midfielder Matthew Guillaumier will also be making his comeback after serving a one-match ban. Gudja United coach Jesmond Zammit has no formation issues and is expected to field his best possible eleven for this showdown with the league leaders.