Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians will battle for sole leadership while newly-promoted Melita face another gruelling test against champions Ħamrun Spartans as the 360 Sports Malta Premier holds its first midweek programme of the season between Wednesday and Thursday.
The top-flight championship has so far provided some exciting fare in the opening two MatchDays with Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians being the only two teams who have managed back-to-back victories so far.
The Wanderers and the Paolites have the opportunity to head into the upcoming two-week international break as the sole leaders in the 360 Sports Malta Premier League when they face off at the National Stadium on Thursday.
While Sliema Wanderers’ brisk start to the championship is somewhat expected, particularly after a very productive activity in this summer’s transfer market, on the other hand, Hibernians seem to be finally finding their feet after a low-key 2023-24 campaign.
The Wanderers, under the charge of Paul Zammit, are again showing their no-nonsense approach after breezing to comfortable victories over Mosta and Balzan with and identical 2-0 scoreline.
Hibernians, on the other hand, seem to be growing in confidence as after kicking off their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Naxxar Lions, they produced a more authoritative display when seeing off Gżira United 2-0 last Sunday.
The match is also set to be a fascinating tactical battle between two coaches, Paul Zammit and Branko Nisevic, who are known for their meticulous tactical approach to matches so it will be interesting to see if either side can prevail and preserve their 100 per cent record.
MatchDay 3 will get under way on Wednesday evening at the Centenary Stadium when Żabbar St Patrick and Floriana will be seeking their first win of the season before Melita, the revelation so far of the championship, will look to upset champions Ħamrun Spartans.
Floriana will be determined to finally grab their first win of the campaign after being held by Melita (3-3) and Ħamrun Spartans (1-1) in their opening two outings.
The Greens, under the charge of Darren Abdilla, seem to have not hit their stride yet this season, and given the quality signings completed in recent weeks one expects them to finally show their full potential against the Southerners.
Darren Abdilla must make at least one change from the team that faced Ħamrun Spartans as striker Mattia Veselji must serve a one-match ban.
Blunt attack
Żabbar, on their part, will feel somewhat hard-done not to have anything to show after their spirited performances against Ħamrun Spartans and Birkirkara.
The Saints need to be more ruthless on both ends of the pitch if they are to start picking up rewards for their efforts.
Ħamrun Spartans will hope to return to winning ways against newly-promoted Melita.
The Spartans were disappointed not to capitalise on having a man more on the pitch during their 1-1 draw against Floriana and there is no doubt that their attacking department is one area they need to improve if they are to mount another title challenge this season.
Still, coach Alessandro Zinnari will surely not underestimate the threat posed by Melita who last weekend earned another scalp when defeating Marsaxlokk to not only bag their first win of the season but remain unbeaten on their top-flight return.
Marsaxlokk will be desperate to prove that they are a much better side than the one that suffered back-to-back defeats to Gżira United and Melita when on Thursday they take on Birkirkara.
Winston Muscat’s side have struggled in their opening two outings and no doubt needs to step up their game by a few notches if they are to overcome the Stripes.
Birkirkara were up and running last weekend when they edged past Żabbar SP and coach Stefano De Angelis will expect to see his team take the next step in terms of performance as they look to stay in touch with the league front-runners.
On Thursday, Balzan will be looking for their first win of the season but will have their work cut out against a Naxxar side who are brimming with confidence after defeating neighbours Mosta last weekend.
Dave Rogers’ Balzan have shown a lot of promise with their energetic displays but have only one point to show following a 3-3 draw against Birkirkara before losing to Sliema Wanderers 2-0.
Rogers will expect a more pragmatic approach from his players against Naxxar but will be wary of the threat posed by the Lions who seem to thrive in matches where they take the role of underdogs.
Gżira United are looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hibernians when they face a Mosta side who are still without a point this season.
Maroons coach Andrew Cohen will hope to see his team return to the form that saw them outclass Marsaxlokk on the opening day of the season as they seek to underline their status as genuine challengers for a top-six finish berth.
PROGRAMME
PLAYING ON WEDNESDAY
CENTENARY STADIUM
Floriana vs Żabbar SP 18.00
Ħamrun S. vs Melita 20.30
THURSDAY
NATIONAL STADIUM
Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 18.00
Hibernians vs Sliema W. 20.30
TONY BEZZINA STADIUM
Balzan vs Naxxar Lions 18.00
Gżira Utd vs Mosta 20.15
