European race, relegation battle to be decided on Friday

The final spot in this summer’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers and the relegation battle will be decided on Friday as the Malta FA published the final programme of fixtures for the 2022-23 BOV Premier League on Monday.

After last weekend’s round of fixtures Gżira United, Balzan, Hibernians and Mosta are all with a chance to take third place in the Premier League standings.

At present Gżira United hold a two-point lead over Balzan, Hibernians and Mosta.

On the other hand, Santa Lucia moved at third-from-bottom last weekend following a 1-1 draw against Ħamrun Spartans that put them one point clear of Żebbuġ Rangers.

In a statement, the MFA said that both the European battle and the team that will join Pieta Hotspurs in next season’s Challenge League will be decided on Friday.

The most surprising decision taken by the MFA is that the match between Hibernians and Floriana will be played at the Gozo Stadium.

The derby between Balzan and Birkirkara will be held at the Tony Bezzina Stadium while Gżira United will take on Żebbuġ Rangers at Centenary Stadium.

The last fixture on the day, Mosta vs Sta Lucia, will be played at the National Stadium.

All four matches will kick off at the same time, 6pm.

The final Premier League programme of the season will get under way on Thursday when Sirens take on Pieta Hotspurs at 6.30pm and will be followed by the clash between Valletta and Marsaxlokk at 8.30pm.

Meanwhile, the 2022-23 Premier League season will come to an end on Saturday when Ħamrun Spartans will be crowned as champions when they face Gudja United at the National Stadium, with the match kicking off at 2pm.

At the end of this match, the Spartans will be presented with the championship trophy before kickstarting their title celebrations at their town’s main road.

PROGRAMME

PLAYING THURSDAY

CENTENARY STADIUM

Sirens vs Pieta Hotspurs           18.00

Valletta vs Marsaxlokk              20.30

PLAYING FRIDAY

CENTENARY STADIUM

Gżira Utd vs Żebbuġ Rangers   18.00

GOZO STADIUM

Floriana vs Hibernians 18.00

NATIONAL STADIUM

Mosta vs Sta Lucia       18.00

TONY BEZZINA STADIUM

Balzan vs Birkirkara     18.00

PLAYING SATURDAY

NATIONAL STADIUM

Ħamrun Spartans vs Gudja United        14.00