Andrea Scozzese

Sliema Wanderers will be without two key players for their final Premier League match against Floriana this evening after Andrea Scozzese and Pedrinho were given a one-match ban yesterday.

Italian defender Scozzese, whose contract with the Blues runs out at the end of the season, and Brazilian forward Pedrinho were sanctioned after both picked up their fourth yellow card in last weekend’s 4-3 defeat to Naxxar Lions.

Floriana also had one player on the suspensions’ list as utility man Emerson Marcelina was also suspended for four yellow cards.

The fifth-placed Greens, who are certain of finishing ahead of their Old Firm rivals regardless of today’s result, are still without Senegalese winger Amadou Samb who has only served three of a six-match ban.

Sliema are seeking their first win over Floriana this season. The first-round match ended one-all but the Greens won their second meeting 2-0.

Surely, the Blues will be motivated to give Andrea Pisanu the perfect send-off as the Italian midfielder is retiring from football after today’s game.

The other player to receive a one-match ban, also for four cautions, is midfielder Gabriel, of Pietà Hotspurs.

Meanwhile, the third-placed Birkirkara will conclude their league campaign with a match against Balzan in today’s second match.

Although their final encounter this season has become a dead rubber, given that neither side can improve their position in the table, both Birkirkara and Balzan are expected to do their best to end the league campaign on a high note.

While the Stripes, who could be without midfielder Paul Fenech amid growing uncertainty about his future at the club, have a FA Trophy semi-final to look forward to, Balzan will be putting the seal on a very satisfactory championship marked by their first ever qualification to a European competition.

Balzan will be striving to maintain their positive record against their neighbours this season as they have gained four points from their previous two meetings, following up a 3-2 win back in September with a goalless draw in their second-round encounter in December.

Final programme

Playing today: (National Stadium) 18.00 Floriana vs Sliema. 20.00 Birkirkara vs Balzan.

Tomorrow: (Hibs Stadium) 19.30 Żebbuġ Rangers vs Qormi. (National Stadium) 19.30 Mosta vs Naxxar Lions. (Tedesco Stadium) 19.30 Tarxien Rainbows vs Pietà Hotspurs.

Saturday: (National Stadium) 16.00 Hibs vs Valletta.