Valletta, Hibs faced with must-win scenario

Champions Hibernians and title aspirants Valletta are both faced with a must-win scenario going into their head-to-head encounter this afternoon at the National Stadium (4 p.m.).

Robert Gatt's team have been passing through a lean spell lately, gaining only one point from a possible nine in their last three outings. The champions' confidence crisis was underlined on Sunday when they squandered a two-goal lead against Mosta.

Valletta are still second in the table but they are in danger of falling further adrift of leaders Sliema Wanderers if they lose again. Last Saturday, the Citizens' inept performance in the 2-1 defeat to Hamrun Spartans raised questions as to their desire to defy the forces of adversity.

In fairness, the Citizens' resources were very restricted but nonetheless much more was expected of the seasoned players who were named in their starting line-up.

For today's game against the Paolites, Dennis Fenech, the Valletta coach, is buoyed by the return from suspension of no fewer than six players - Renie Forace, Daniel Bogdanovic, Sean Sullivan, Daniel Theuma, Edward Azzopardi and Karl Bonnici.

Gilbert Agius has been suffering from a nagging pelvis injury in the last months and may have to rest for some weeks. It remains to be seen whether the City talisman will make himself available to play today however.

Hibernians, enjoying a meagre four-point lead on fifth-placed Pietà Hotspurs, will be pinning their hopes on the return of Nigerian stalwart Ndubisi Chukunyere and Adrian Mifsud.

These two players were instrumental in Hibernians' title-winning campaign last season and were the chief catalysts of their team's mini-resurgence last month with two wins over Sliema and Birkirkara.

First round result - Valletta beat Hibernians 5-2.

Birkirkara vs Floriana (today at 2 p.m., National Stadium) - Two victories on the trot propelled Birkirkara to second place in the standings. With Valletta meeting Hibs in today's other Premier League match, the Stripes have an added incentive to claim maximum points from their clash with Floriana.

Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx is back in the frame after serving a one-match ban in the 4-2 defeat of Marsaxlokk last Tuesday. Michael Spiteri, Antoine Zahra and Clint Micallef are still injured.

There was an air of disappointment in the Floriana clan last Saturday after they were denied a point in their derby with Sliema Wanderers by an injury-time goal.

Injuries and suspensions mean that Ziya Yildiz, the Floriana coach, must reshuffle his starting formation.

Riad-Mynel Gang-Rtsa, a pillar in the Greens' defence, is ruled out by suspension while Claude Mattocks, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Joseph Craig Schembri are likely to miss out because of injuries. Georgian striker Grigol Gvazava is available again after serving his two-match ban.

First round result - Floriana beat Birkirkara 2-1.

Marsaxlokk vs Pietà Hotspurs (tomorrow at 12.45 p.m., Hibernians Ground) - Only a victory will do for Pietà and Marsaxlokk as they look to strengthen their chances of earning a top-six berth.

Pietà, held to a 2-2 draw by Marsa last Sunday, have faltered after a fantastic start but they will still be optimistic of making the Championship Pool.

Ivan Woods is suspended for the Hotspurs but Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia can bank on Digger Okonkwo and Malcolm Licari.

Italian defender Mauro Di Lello is also expected to be fit after he missed the Marsa clash because of a hamstring problem.

Marsaxlokk, defeated in their last two outings against Sliema and Birkirkara, are without Brendan Zammit (injured) and Dennis Cauchi (suspended).

First round result - Pietà beat Marsaxlokk 2-0.

Hamrun-Marsa in crunch derby clash

Hamrun Spartans vs Marsa (tomorrow at 2.45 p.m., Hibs Ground) - Sparks are expected to fly tomorrow as neighbouring rivals Hamrun Spartans and Marsa lock horns.

Marsa, rooted to the bottom of the table, will be under the charge of Godwin Cuschieri after the committee decided to suspend head coach Patrick Curmi.

President Joe Gauci is also believed to be at loggerheads with the remaining members of the committee, triggering speculation that Marsa are heading for some boardroom changes.

Hamrun Spartans are in far better health than they were a few weeks ago as victories over Mosta and Valletta have taken them to sixth place in the standings. Tomorrow, the Spartans will seek to soften the memories of their first round defeat to Marsa, the latter's only victory so far this season. Atanas Marinov, the Hamrun coach, could be without Graham Bencini, struggling with a thigh problem.

First round result - Marsa beat Hamrun 3-2.