The BOV Premier League resumes this weekend with another six matches being played between today and Sunday, before a one-week break due to international commitments.

The first day provided no surprise results, although if early indications are anything to go by, few would doubt Valletta making sure of another championship win earlier than last season.

What was supposed to be a tricky opener against Tarxien Rainbows last Sunday, resulted into yet another routine win for the defending champions, without the likes of Gilbert Agius, Michael Mifsud and Zongo. Their second appearance in this evening’s second match (kick-off 8.30 pm) against Hamrun Spartans, should be even less complicated. Hamrun’s rearguard cannot afford the kind of slips committed against Balzan Youths in the first match, because Valletta are more ruthless. Moreover, the Spartans’ midfield has to be swifter in its build-ups against the likes of the experienced opponents. The Spartans hope that they will have the young Swiss midfielder who did not feature in the first game, Carlo Polli, available against Valletta. Gaetan Spiteri returns after suspension and it is still to be seen who will be making way for these two players, although Lee Agius is definitely out after being sent off in the first match.

This evening’s first match at Ta’Qali, is between Hibernians and Marsaxlokk (kick-off 6.30pm). A win for Hibernians will prove that Mark Miller’s side is stronger than last season although the new players have still to gel as a team. In the absence of Jonathan Pearson, Aaron Xuereb and Edward Herrera at the back, their defence struggled, keeper Muscat was not given decent cover and conceded three goals against Sliema Wanderers. It was only in numerical superiority that Hibernians clinched a draw. With better understanding between Luis Edison, Cohen and Failla, Marsaxlokk’ s rearguard will be in for a hard time. Marsaxlokk nearly gave away a two-goal lead against newly promoted Mosta on Saturday, were it not for the individual finishing of Obinne Obiefule, and the Paolites will no doubt provide a sterner test for Winston Muscat’s side today.

Mosta will play Birkirkara in tomorrow’s first match at Hibs Stadium (kick-off 6.30pm) in an extremely difficult encounter. Mosta, lack the required experience and need quick reinforcements in defence, which shipped in five goals already. After playing some efficient, rather than spectacular, football to down Qormi in the first match, Birkirkara might be further strengthened with the return from injury of two very important players – Paul Fenech and Shaun Bajada. The saga around their recent Nigerian signing Shola Shodiya continues but that will surely not distract Birkirkara’s focus on tomorrow’s match, which might see them clinch a second consecutive win.

Tomorrow’s second match is between Tarxien Rainbows and Floriana (kick-off 8.30pm). The two teams had contrasting fortunes so far. Floriana beat newly promoted side Mqabba in the first match while Tarxien lost against champions Valletta. On paper, Tarxien may look better than the Greens. The Rainbows, though, will once again be relying heavily on their six foreign Brazilians, plus Nigerian turned Maltese, Orosco Anonam. The rest of the components in the team are way behind as regards technique and experience. Only time will tell how far Tarxien can go this season.

Although winning easily, Floriana did not impress against Mqabba and disappointed the neutrals for failing to add more goals after scoring twice within the first 20 minutes. Nigerian forward Boris Odwong may give the Greens some impetus up front if he manages to repeat his first match performance against Mqabba. But Tarxien are a different kettle of fish.

Sliema Wanderers should register the season’s first league win on Sunday against Mqabba (kick off 6.30pm) at Ta’ Qali. Rumen Galabov is expected to make his appearance in defence, which was their weakest department against Hibernians, but they will be missing the services of playmaker Mark Scerri who was slapped with a one-match ban. The Wanderers played some flowing football in flashes and if they can show more consistency throughout, they should bag all three points. But Sliema have often faltered against inferior opponents in the past and Mqabba, who are no pushovers, will be expected to close down well to avoid early setbacks.

The other promoted side Balzan Youths take on Qormi in Sundays’s second match (kick-off 8.30pm) with high hopes of obtaining the first point. Balzan are an organized side and played some flowing football for the first half hour against Hamrun. Pedro Calcado dictates matters in midfield although he lacks enough support at times.

Qormi, who are also pointless, should be boosted by the recruitment of experienced defender Kenneth Scicluna from Valletta. They will only hope to avoid defeat, which could be already damaging for the team’s morale at this stage of the campaign.