While the eyes of the football world is on Qatar as the second phase of the 2022 World Cup gets under way this evening, domestic football in Malta resumes when the BOV Premier League returns with a full programme between today and tomorrow.
Fresh from their stunning 4-2 defeat to lowly Żebbuġ Rangers, leaders Ħamrun Spartans are still hurting after seeing their unbeaten run punctured last weekend and will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they face Sta Lucia at the Centenary Stadium tomorrow (kick-off: 11.30am).
While on paper, the Spartans should hold too much firepower for the lowly Sta Lucia, however, the Reds, after last week’s unexpected slip-up, will surely treat this match with added caution as they look to at least protect their commanding nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.
On the other hand, Sta Lucia, who are currently second from bottom with just five point to show, will be desperate to pounce on any form of vulnerability from the Spartans as they are desperate to gain points after picking up just one point from their last three outings.
Gżira United will be ready to pounce on any further slip-ups from the Spartans as the second-placed Maroons open the weekend programme with another lunch-time kick off today when they face Balzan at the Centenary Stadium.
The Maroons will be keen to pick up all points as they look to keep up the pressure on the Spartans and strengthen their grip on second place in the standings.
But they will be aware of the threat posed by Balzan who on their day could turn out to be difficult opponents.
Gżira’s major achilles in the last weeks has been their failure to kill off their opponents and that could prove costly against a Balzan side who are desperate to turn the tide after failing to score a win in their last five outings.
Champions Hibernians and Birkirkara will be looking to move close to the top positions when they face lowly Sirens and Pietá Hotspurs respectively.
PROGRAMME
PLAYING TODAY
CENTENARY STADIUM
Gżira Utd vs Balzan 12.00
NATIONAL STADIUM
Sirens vs Hibernians 12.00
Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 14.15
TOMORROW
CENTENARY STADIUM
Ħamrun S. vs Sta Lucia 11.30
Mosta vs Żebbuġ R. 14.00
NATIONAL STADIUM
Pieta H. vs Birkirkara 11.30
Valletta vs Gudja Utd 14.00
