Wanderers eye another win

Hibernians take on Zebbug in second match at Hibernians ground

BOV Premier League
BOV Premier League

Sliema Wanderers will face Pieta on Saturday hoping for another important three points in their pursuit for fourth place; a task which may seem unlikely to be pulled off but remains realistically very much possible.

Both sides are currently coming from different fortunes with Stephen’s Azzopardi’s team boosted by the return of Captain Michael Mifsud seem to be capturing some late form with recent positive results moving them to just one point behind fourth placed Balzan.

Pieta on the other hand are coming off from some very negative results which has left them with just two points above bottom placed Qormi on 11 points.  The Hotspurs have rarely been rolled over in their matches, but are finding themselves repeatedly on the losing end as a result of a lack of experience which is of utmost importance at this level.

Stephen Azzopardi looks to have settled on his line-up; so many changes are not expected when his team take on Pieta.  Michael Mifsud has done well coming on in the last match, and Beppe Muscat is also expected to retain his place after a positive performance last week.

January signing Ribeiro dos Santos will look to trouble the Pieta backline, with the on loan striker looking for continuity in his game.

Influential Pieta winger Claudio Frances who has been performing consistently well for his side, will be unavailable through suspension for this match.

Pieta H. Vs Sliema (2pm, Saturday, Hibernians Stadium)

Flying leaders out to dent Ranger’s survival hopes

Leaders Hibernians face Zebbug Rangers in the second match at the Hibernians Stadium on Saturday hoping to secure another routine three points and dent their opponent’s hopes of staying in the top flight for another season.

Zebbug will be hoping for a positive result against Hibernians and continue where they left off last weekend with a surprising 3-2 victory over current Champions Valletta.  Zebbug have surely been the most consistent of the teams embroiled in the relegation battle, and it will be no surprise if they manage to keep their premier league status at the end of the season.

Despite the Rangers knowing the importance of collecting points at this delicate phase of the season, they are aware of the difficult opposition that awaits them, with Hibernians failing to win on just three occasions this season.  However they will surely take heart from their brilliant win over Valletta with forward Mathias Muchardi currently on good form.

The leaders should prove too strong once again for the survival hopefuls, however failing to underestimate a side who has been improving from game to game, could prove costly for Branko Nisevic’s men.

Hibernians are not expected to make any swift changes for this match with the only exception coming to replace the suspended Edison Luis dos Santos.

For this match Zebbug will have at their disposal defender Lee Galea who missed the match against Valletta through suspension.

Zebbug Rangers Vs Hibernians (4pm, Saturday, Hibernians Stadium)