Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians meet in the first game of the weekend in the BOV Premier League this evening at the Victor Tedesco Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).
Both sides will be looking for full points for different reasons.
The Spartans, who were heavily beaten 3-1 by Floriana last week, will try to rediscover their winning ways in a bid to secure a Championship Pool berth as early as possible.
Hamrun are currently in fifth place with 15 points, four above the next team, Marsaxlokk and five above Sliema Wanderers.
Hamrun will gladly welcome the return of Massimo Grima in their team after suspension to apply some cover to their defence which looked vulnerable against Floriana.
Hamrun beat Hibernians when the two teams met in the First Round last October in a 3-4 thriller, which the Spartans dominated.
Hibernians are passing through a gloomy patch, having failed to win a League match in their last 12 outings and lie second from bottom with only nine points.
Their crisis of form might have slightly improved in last week’s match against Marsaxlokk which they drew 2-2, with a spritely second half performance.
The Paolites are struggling to convert their chances into goals and are suffering further without their Scottish forward Paul McManus, out with an injured back.
It is believed that during the week, two foreigners were given trials with Hibernians but apparantly no one has impressed.
Change of Fixtures
In the meantime the MFA yesterday advised changes in the original fixtures of the BOV Premier League due to security measures.
The matches between Qormi and Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk against Birkirkara will now be played at the Hibs Stadium tomorrow.
On Sunday, the matches between Vittoriosa Stars and Floriana, as well as Tarxien Rainbows against Valletta will be played at Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
The Birkirkara-Hamrun Spartans match, originally scheduled for 4pm will now kick off at 2pm at the National Stadium.
The Valletta-Marsaxlokk match will be played on Saturday 22 January, also at Ta’Qali National Stadium and will kick off at 4pm.
Floriana will therefore play Qormi on Sunday 23 January at Hibs Stadium at 4pm instead of on Saturday as originally planned.