This weekend's other matches

Qormi will open up a four-point gap over Valletta if they see off relegation strugglers Msida.

Jesmond Zerafa, the Qormi coach, rested Camilo last weekend as doctors advised the Brazilian striker to take a short break to aid his recovery from a nagging injury. Camilo has trained lightly this week but is unlikely to face Msida.

The Saints were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat to Hibs in their last outing. Mark Marlow, the Msida coach, is hoping to receive the all-clear to include newly-signed Costa Rican forward Wendell Gabriels in his team this afternoon.

On the negative side, Msida will be without Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic who is currently having a trial with a club in Tunisia.

First round - Qormi vs Msida 3-0.

Hibs vs Dingli Swallows (today at 4 p.m., Hibs Ground)

Hibs are favourites to see off bottom side Dingli and join Birkirkara on the 23-point mark.

Etienne Barbara, the catalyst of Hibs' victory over Msida, is ruled out by suspension but Mark Miller has no other selection worries.

Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva is also out of the equation for Dingli after receiving a one-match ban following his side's 3-1 loss to Ħamrun.

Jesmond Zammit, the Dingli coach, is also hampered by the absence of Roderick Spiteri and Matthew Borg, both injured.

First round - Hibernians vs Dingli 2-1.

Ħamrun Spartans vs Birkirkara (tomorrow at 2 p.m., National Stadium)

Birkirkara and Ħamrun Spartans go into their second-round meeting in high spirits after both emerged with full points from their last matches.

The Stripes maintained the pace at the top with a 5-1 thrashing of Tarxien while the Spartans strengthened their quest for Championship Pool football with a 3-1 defeat of Dingli.

Birkirkara midfielder George Mallia is facing a lengthy lay-off after suffering a calf injury. The other players are available for selection.

Diego Armando Cucciardi is out of contention for a first-team place at Ħamrun after receiving a one-match ban. Jonathan Holland and Mark Anthony Bonnici appear to be losing their battle to recover from injuries but Roderick Fenech, who also has a knock, is expected to be declared fit.

First round - Birkirkara vs Ħamrun Spartans 2-1.

Tarxien Rainbows vs Floriana (Monday at 7.30 p.m., Tedesco Stadium)

Tarxien and Floriana are in need of a quick fix after suffering heavy defeats to Birkirkara and Valletta respectively.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, has been urging his players to deliver a bold response after their drubbing to the Stripes. Coleiro had no option but to field a weakened side against Birkirkara as defender Everton, Warren Chircop, Ryan Mintoff and Andrew Decesare were all unavailable.

Chircop and Mintoff have recovered and Decesare is also back in the frame after sickness forced him out of last weekend's match.

Everton has yet to return from South America but Coleiro is hopeful that the Brazilian will land in Malta in the next two days. James Shead is suspended.

Zoran Popovic is expected to take charge of his first match of his second spell as Floriana coach.

The Serb is buoyed by the return from suspension of Pablo Doffo and Julian Briffa. Owen Bugeja has also resumed training after completing his rehab from injury but goalkeeper Bernard Paris and midfielder Luke Agius are still on the sidelines.

First round - Floriana vs Tarxien 1-1.