Mġarr, Hibernians face off, eye third-place finish

With league holders and potential 2022/2023 champions Birkirkara out of this week’s action, Mġarr United and Hibernians will take centrestage with a highly-important head-to-head encounter.

Both the Greens and the Paolites are in contention for a third-place finish, with just five points separating them albeit Mġarr have a game in hand – against Mtarfa.

Hibernians are currently third on 25 points after 8 wins and 1 draw in their 14 games so far.

On the other hand, Mġarr have picked up six wins and 2 draws in their 13 league outings.

Despite the Greens sitting behind the Paolites, it is Michael Mangion’s side who has the upper hand overall after the previous two direct encounters this season.

In fact, while the two teams shared the spoils in the second round game (1-1), it was Mġarr who claimed the spoils in the opening game – a comeback 3-1 victory on home turf.

Hibernians have been one of the most prolific scorers in this campaign with 45 goals, including 11 from club’s leading scorer Alexis Espitia.

On the other hand, Mġarr have found the net on just 29 occasions with captain Brenda Borg leading their scoring charts – with 7.

Meanwhile, second-place Swieqi United will return into action as they will look to bounce back from their recent defeat to Birkirkara.

The Owls saw their gap extend to nine points last week and will be hoping to cut that back to six, keeping their very slim hopes of winning the title alive.

Swieqi have the best offensive record so far with 54 goals and will be looking to pick up their 10th win of the season against an Mtarfa side that has only three points to show for their efforts.

Raiders Lija will face San Ġwann as they continue to keep a top-three finish in sights.

Denis Guerra’s side are at the back of a victory against Mtarfa and have 19 points, just three behind Mġarr United.

A late run of positive results could hand Raiders Lija a pleasant end to this year’s campaign.

THIS WEEK’S FIXTURES

TUESDAY

Mtarfa vs Swieqi United – Centenary Stadium, 20.00

Mġarr United vs Hibernians – Mġarr Ground, 20.30

WEDNESDAY

San Ġwann vs Raiders Lija – Centenary Stadium, 20.00