After a brief break due to Birkirkara’s commitments in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Assikura Women’s League returns with an exciting set of fixtures for Matchday 3.
The clash between title contenders Birkirkara and Swieqi United stands out as the marquee matchup of the week.
Birkirkara, who beat Montenegro’s Breznica in their Champions League qualifying semi-final before losing to Anderlecht in the final, face a significant test as they take on Swieqi, their main antagonist in recent years.
However, the Stripes will be without their inspirational captain Stephania Farrugia, who will sit out for a long period of time.
The Malta women defender sustained a knee injury during their Anderlecht match, Farrugia’s 30th appearance in the Champions League.
Farrugia’s leadership and defensive prowess have been vital for the team’s success, and her absence will be a major blow for the defending champions.
Vince Galea’s Birkirkara have started their league campaign with two victories, beating San Ä wann and Lija Athletic.
On the other hand, Dorianne Theuma’s bounced back from their opening defeat against Hibernians to beat Valletta and secure their first three points of the season.
The Owls will welcome back talented forward Salamatu Abdulai, who has just returned from a successful stint in the U-20 World Cup.
The Ghana player showcased her goal-scoring ability on the international stage, netting two goals in their final group game against New Zealand.
In the opening game of the week, Hibernians take on bottom side Mtarfa.
Hibernians will be looking to build momentum and continue their positive start to the season, having beaten Swieqi and drew against MÄĄarr United.
Mtarfa, on the other hand, are still searching for their first points of the season after two defeats.
Elsewhere, MÄĄarr meet Valletta in what could prove to be a trickier encounter.
The Greens have shown solid form early in the season, dismantling Mtarfa while securing a point against Hibernians.
Valletta, on their part, could only secure a point against Lija in their opening game albeit the returned has been turned to a 3-0 win to Lija after the latter protested, successfully.
The Citizens gave Swieqi a run for their money in their second game before falling to defeat in the game’s closing stages.
In the other game of the week, San Ä wann take on Lija.
San Ä wann have picked up their first win of the season after beating Mtarfa in their last match while Lija have three points after their protest was upheld.
In their last league outing, Lija lost narrowly to defending champions Birkirkara.
FIXTURES
THURSDAY
Hibernians vs Mtarfa – 8.15pm, Centenary Stadium.
FRIDAY
Birkirkara vs Swieqi United – 8.30pm, Victor Tedesco Stadium.
SATURDAY
San Ä wann vs Lija Athletic – 6pm, Dingli Ground.
Valletta vs MÄĄarr United – 8.30pm, Dingli Ground.
