Tricky test for in-form Birkirkara

Birkirkara's title credentials will be severely tested this afternoon when the Premier League joint leaders take on Sliema Wanderers in the weekend's main match at the National Stadium (kick-off: 4 p.m.).

The Stripes have been a positive revelation of the season as despite not being too much involved in the transfer activity they still managed to produce a strong challenge in the Premier League and are currently sharing top spot with title favourites Valletta on 33 points from 15 matches.

The same cannot be said of the Wanderers who struggled for form for most of the season. A 3-0 defeat to Ħamrun Spartans earlier this month cost coach Stephen Azzopardi his job. He was relieved of his duties and was replaced by Mark Marlow.

Marlow, who had started the campaign with Msida, led Sliema to a 3-1 win over bottom-placed Dingli Swallows last Sunday. That victory lifted the team to fifth place in the standings. But, with Tarxien, Ħamrun and Floriana breathing down their necks, the Wanderers have a tough fight coming up to secure a place in the Championship Pool.

Paul Zammit, the Birkirkara coach, is not giving too much importance to Sliema's struggles and warned his players to expect a difficult test today.

"Sliema are always hard to beat notwithstanding their position in the standings," Zammit told The Times.

"True, at present they are struggling to perform, but they have enough quality players to lift themselves to higher places. We need to be alert right from the outset.

"A new coach is an added stimulus to any team so we have to match them in confidence. Birkirkara are unbeaten in the last nine matches and another victory will put us closer to our goal of finishing this phase on top."

The Stripes coach is sure to be without Angus Buhagiar, George Mallia and Joseph Zerafa, all injured. Defensive duo Branko Nisevic and Nikola Vukanac are also struggling with knocks.

While Birkirkara have high hopes of being among the front-runners for the championship crown, for Sliema any talk of a title push seems somewhat premature.

Last week, they had to sweat to lower the colours of lowly Dingli. Marlow was heartened with his team's fighting display though and is urging his players to show more of the same today.

"I'm really looking forward to this match," he told The Times.

"Sometimes, it's better to face teams who play open and are always on the offensive rather than those who stay on the defensive like Dingli. They made life difficult for us when putting a lot of players behind the ball.

"But, I was pleased to see the players' response when falling a goal behind. That kind of attitude is what this team really needs."

Marlow is boosted by the return to fitness of striker Julio Alcorse while Brazilian forward Pedrinho is also expected to start.

First round: Sliema vs Birkirkara 0-3.

Morelago in, Galabov out at Hibs

Floriana vs Hibs (today at 2 p.m., National Stadium)

Hibernians will be fielding new Brazilian striker Elton Morelago against Floriana after parting ways with midfielder Rumen Galabov.

Galabov, a key figure in Hibs' title-winning side last season, will continue the 2009/10 season in Division One after agreeing to join promotion favourites Marsaxlokk on an 18-month contract.

Morelago will spearhead Hibs' attack along with Miguel Lopes da Pina who made his first appearance for the Paolites last week.

Aaron Xuereb and Mario Muscat are suspended while Andrew Cohen and Jonathan Caruana are rated as doubtful.

Floriana coach Zoran Popovic is hampered by the absence of Marlon Briffa and Luke Agius but Julian Briffa has recovered full fitness.

The Greens could have a new Serbian midfielder in their squad. He impressed during a trial and was expected to be signed in time for this match.

First round: Hibs vs Floriana 2-3.

Dingli vs Msida (tomorrow at 2 p.m., Hibs Stadium)

Bottom two Dingli and Msida will be desperate to take maximum spoils from this match as they look to boost their flickering hopes of avoiding the drop.

Dingli cannot field their strongest formation as Shaun Tellus, Roderick Briffa and Kevin Borg are all out of the equation to serve suspension.

Brazilian defender Renato Conceicao also looks on his way out after he was informed that he is no longer in the plans of coach Jesmond Zammit.

Msida, too, have their fair share of problems as Adam Spiteri and Kevin Mifsud must serve a one-match ban while striker Miguel Ciantar and Cedric Sciberras skipped training this week due to injury.

First round: Msida vs Dingli 2-1.

Tarxien vs Valletta (tomorrow at 4 p.m., Hibs Stadium)

This won't be easy for Valletta as Tarxien are currently on a high and fighting to book a berth in the top six.

The Citizens, buoyed by a 4-2 win over Hibs that lifted them back to the top of the standings, will almost be at full strength as defender Luke Dimech is the only player to be ruled out after picking a one-match ban in midweek.

Jordi Cruyff is back to full fitness and likely to start after missing the Citizens' last five matches.

Noel Coleiro, the Tarxien coach, is boosted by the return of midfielder David Camilleri and winger Gianluca Calabretta who missed the 2-0 win over Qormi through suspension.

First round: Valletta vs Tarxien 2-2.

Ħamrun vs Qormi (Monday at 7.30 p.m., Tedesco Stadium)

Ħamrun and Qormi renew their rivalry on Monday in what promises to be another tight derby.

These two sides are passing through contrasting form at the moment with the Reds on a roll after a three-match winning run that put them in contention for a Championship Pool berth while the Yellows seem to have lost some momentum after losing their last two matches.

Qormi will be without Alfred Effiong, Camilo and Keith Fenech, who will be serving suspension, while Roderick Sammut is unavailable.

The Spartans have almost a full squad as Jonathan Holland, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, is their only absentee.

First round: Qormi vs Ħamrun 2-0.