The other Premier League matches

Tarxien Rainbows vs Msida St Joseph (tomorrow at 14.00, Hibs Stadium)

Tarxien Rainbows have high hopes of getting their Championship Pool bid back on track with a victory over Msida St Joseph.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, can't bank on David Camilleri after the veteran midfielder received a two-match ban following his sending-off in the 4-2 defeat to Sliema.

Striker Warren Chircop is still recovering from a knee problem.

Keith Gouder, Msida's young coach, has several selection problems. Tyrone Farrugia and Cedric Sciberras are suspended, Adrian Farrugia has been down with flu and Costa Rican forward Wendell Gabriels is injured.

On the plus side, Zoran Levnaic is available after returning from a trial in Tunisia.

First round - Msida vs Tarxien 1-1.

Dingli vs Floriana (tomorrow at 16.00, Hibs Stadium)

Floriana will be determined to make amends for their embarrassing defeat to Dingli Swallows in the first round. Dingli have not gained any points since breaking their duck against the Greens.

Zoran Popovic, the Floriana coach, is sweating over the fitness of defender Julian Briffa who limped out with a hamstring injury in last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Ħamrun.

Doubts surround Sunday Akanni-Wasiu's future at Floriana after the Nigerian travelled to England for a trial with Coventry earlier this week. Marlon Briffa is sidelined with injury.

Meanwhile, Dingli coach Jesmond Zammit is keen to hold on to Nigerian striker Joseph Okonkwo who is reportedly a target for Hibs.

First round - Floriana vs Dingli 1-2.

Birkirkara vs Hibernians (Monday at 19.30, National Stadium)

Another interesting match is in prospect on Monday as leaders Birkirkara entertain champions Hibs.

Whatever the outcome of today's Valletta-Qormi clash, Birkirkara know that they must win to reclaim top spot.

As for Hibs, they badly need the three points to avoid falling further off the pace.

"We have to win," Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, said.

"If we win and the other results go our way, we will get closer to the top.

"I like these type of games.

My players respond better to the big matches and I'm looking forward to our meeting with Birkirkara."

Forward Etienne Barbara is suspended for Hibs and Uruguayan midfielder Christian Callejas is still recovering from injury.

Birkirkara coach Paul Zammit is concerned about the physical condition of Shaun Bajada, Trevor Cilia and Paul Fenech who are struggling with injuries. Joseph Zerafa is highly doubtful with a hamstring strain.

"I can only praise my players for their attitude and commitment," Zammit said.

"The team's high position reflects the work we've done so far but I'm also prepared for rough times.

"Our next match is against Hibs who, in many ways, are very similar to us. They have a mixture of experience and youth but their squad is somewhat limited. However, both teams have the ability to play positive football."

First round - Birkirkara vs Hibs 2-2.