Stripes yearn for return to 'normality'

Sliema Wanderers are favourites to collect the three points but they will surely not underestimate Pietà Hotspurs after the latter created an upset last weekend when beating Hibs 1-0 for their first victory of the season.

Having gone up to third in the standings after winning five and drawing one of their last six matches, Sliema will surely give their all to extend their positive run and possibly revive their title challenge.

Ray Farrugia has surely had an uplifting effect on Sliema as the Blues are unbeaten since the former Malta U-21 mentor succeeded Edward Aquilina as coach.

For today's match against Pietà, Farrugia's former employers, Sliema will be without Stefan Giglio, Claude Mattocks and Noel Turner, all recuperating from injuries, while defender Mauro Di Lello has yet to fully recover from a viral infection.

Farrugia and Ronald Vella, his assistant, are currently assessing a 28-year-old striker from Montenegro, Aleksandar Madzar, who started a two-week trial with Sliema on Thursday.

The young Pietà players cannot rely on Carmel Busuttil's guidance from the touchline after the Hotspurs' coach received a two-match ban in midweek. In Busuttil's absence, Clive Mizzi will lead the team from the dug-out.

On the playing front, midfielder Domenic Mifsud is available after suspension kept him out of the 1-0 win over Hibs. Ryan Camilleri is still sidelined with injury and David Camenzuli is doubtful.

This week, Pietà had two new foreigners, former Valletta striker Roman Galabov, and a young Italian midfielder, joining them for a trial but they are unlikely to feature in the squad today.

First round result - Sliema vs Pietà 4-1.

Birkirkara vs Marsa (today at 4 p.m., National Stadium).

After their rewarding experience of organising what turned out to be AC Milan's successful training camp, champions Birkirkara have now turned their attention back to domestic matters.

This afternoon, the Stripes, currently joint-sixth with Hibs on 21 points, should prove too strong for bottom team Marsa who have been further weakened by the departure of defender Emil Yantchev.

Bulgarian Yantchev is poised to rejoin Birkirkara.

Stephen Azzopardi, the Bir-kirkara coach, is unlikely to make many changes from the team that performed admirably against Milan before suffering a three-goal burst in the final 15 minutes.

Left-back Lino Galea has a hamstring injury but Jonathan Holland, who was stretchered off in the 5-0 defeat to Milan, could recover in time to play against Marsa. Andrew Spiteri, formerly of Pietà, has signed an 18-month deal with Birkirkara and is available to play today.

Dario Larrosa and Antoine Zahra are still recuperating from long-term injuries.

Edmond Lufi, the Marsa coach, will name an all-Maltese team after the club terminated the contract of their three foreign players in the past two months.

Forward Gilbert Martin is suffering from a hamstring strain but Nicky Fasinelli returns from suspension.

First round result - Birkirkara vs Marsa 2-1.

Marsaxlokk vs St George's (tomorrow at 1 p.m., Tedesco Stadium).

Leaders Marsaxlokk should claim their 13th victory in the last 14 matches when they meet relegation candidates St George's.

Brian Talbot must make at least one change from the team that beat Msida 1-0 as defender Steve Wellman is out through suspension.

Charlò Magro has yet to recover from a hamstring problem and Andrè Schembri has started to train lightly as he gets nearer to completing his rehabilitation from a foot operation. Goalkeeper Justin Haber is poised to be called to the Marsaxlokk squad for the first time since signing a five-month deal last week.

St George's are unlikely to entertain high hopes of stopping Marsaxlokk's excellent run.

Last weekend, the Saints suffered a 2-0 defeat to Valletta.

Coach Marco Gerada will give a debut to newly-signed striker Alfred Effiong. The 20-year-old Nigerian, a key player for Gozitan team Kercem Ajax in the last two seasons, has replaced fellow countryman Sulle-iman Hammad.

Edoardo Do Nascimento, Anthony Bonello and Kurt Formosa are on the casualty list for the Saints while goalkeeper Bernard Paris will be subjected to a late fitness test. Emanuel Sevasta is out, suspended.

First round result - Marsaxlokk vs St George's 5-1.