Ħamrun Spartans start title defence against Balzan

Gżira United face Hibernians in plum opening clash

Ħamrun Spartans start their title defence against Balzan as the draws of the BOV Premier League were held at the Centenary Hall, on Tuesday.

The nine-time Maltese champions will be bidding to retain their place at the top of Maltese football for a third time in four seasons but face a tricky start against a Balzan side that turned out to be one of the revelations of last season.

In fact, the Reds, who had battled against relegation in the previous campaigns, managed to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League after defeating Hibernians in the play-off for fourth spot.

No doubt, the Ħamrun vs Balzan clash will be a fascinating match on Match Day One of the Premier League which this season will start a month later than previous years, as the first matches will be played on September 16.

The opening day of the season has some other interesting ties as Birkirkara, last season’s FA Trophy winners, will be up against newly-promoted Sliema Wanderers.

On the other hand, Gżira United have a tough start to the campaign when they face Hibernians.

Valletta will be up against Sirens while Floriana take on Sta Lucia.

The other opening-day fixture is the clash between Marsaxlokk and Naxxar Lions, the other promoted team in the top-flight.

This year’s championship will have a major novelty as this season the number of teams who will be relegated have gone up to four as Malta’s top-flight will be looking to have 12 teams in the 2024-25 campaign.

OPENING FIXTURES

Birkirkara vs Sliema W.            

Sta Lucia vs Floriana   

Valletta vs Sirens        

Gżira vs Hibernians    

Mosta vs Gudja Utd    

Ħamrun S. vs Balzan  

Marsaxlokk vs Naxxar Lions