Birkirkara and Floriana will be seeking a quick return to winning form this evening as the Bank of Valletta Premier League enters its fourth round of matches.

In today’s programme, Birkirkara will be facing Mqabba in the first match starting at 6pm, while in the second game, starting at 8pm, Floriana take on Hamrun Spartans.

The Stripes and the Greens suffered their first defeats at the hands of Hibernians and Sliema respectively the past weekend and they cannot afford to miss out again if they are to remain close to leaders Valletta, who have maximum points after three matches.

The Stripes had a disastrous outing against Hibernians and coach Patrick Curmi might be making some changes to last weekend’s side which bitterly disappointed its fans.

Birkirkara have to forget all about that disastrous performance and make a bold effort to get the three points today in an effort to bring back morale in their camp.

On their part, Mqabba will not be throwing in the towel so easily. The newly promoted club surprised everyone (probably themselves as well) when they obtained their first win the past weekend – a 2-0 win with 10 men against the more favoured Marsaxlokk.

But even in their two earlier defeats, Mqabba had shown that they will be no cushion for any team this season. Now that they have registered their first win and obtained their first points in the Premier League, they will be looking forward with optimism towards consolidating what they have built so far.

Floriana will also have to forget their defeat against arch rivals Sliema and concentrate fully on their clash against Hamrun this evening.

This match promises to be a keenly contested affair, as the Spartans, despite lagging near the bottom of the standings with just one point (they lost the points of their clash against Balzan on the table following a protest by the Youths), are a well balanced side which is expected to make a bold challenge to finish among the Top Six to play in the Championship Pool in the second phase.

The Spartans are a mix of experienced and young players who will certainly prove to be a tough nut to crack as they are bound to continue showing improvement as they play more matches together.

The Greens had a rather good start to this year’s campaign, leaving where they had left off last season, but in their last clash against Sliema, they had to bow their heads and emerged losers after suffering the goal that lost them the match in the last 15 minutes.

Coach Michael Woods is certainly aware that his side needs to win the three points this evening if they are to remain close to the leaders – in the knowledge that Valletta are expected to maintain their 100 per cent record on Sunday when facing newly promoted Mosta.

Today’s programme

National Stadium: Bank of Valletta Premier League 6pm Mqabba-Birkirkara; 8pm Hamrun S.-Floriana

Centenary Stadium: Bank of Valletta Second Division 7pm Senglea Ath.-Gzira U.