The pre-season tournament organised annually by the club starts today at their ground in Corradino.

Similar to the past years it will be held in a league format and will comprise four teams: Hibernians, Marsaxlokk, Pieta` and last year’s winners Valletta.

The programme of fixtures and kick-off times are as follows:

Monday 31 July: 6pm Hibernians vs Pieta; 8pm Valletta vs M’Xlokk

Wednesday 2 August: 6pm M’Xlokk vs Hibernians; 8pm Valletta vs Pieta`

Friday 4 August: 6pm Pieta` vs M’Xlokk; 8pm Hibernians vs Valletta.

Last week, Valletta played two friendly matches, beating St George’s 4-2 and figuring in a goalless draw with Marsa, who have signed former Hibs midfielder Essiem Mbong and Mosta striker Ikechukwu Chibueze.

Hibernians will be back in action after their negative experience in the UEFA Cup where they were trounced by Dinamo Bucharest to the tune of an aggregate of 9-1.

Marsaxlokk, who were beaten 1-0 by Floriana in a friendly match last week, are expected to have former Sliema and Birkirkara defender Luke Dimech in their starting line-up with former Hibs and Rushden & Diamonds manager Brian Talbot taking over as the new coach.