The Jubilee Cup will take centre stage this weekend when the Premier League sides will make their first appearance in the one-off competition as the Last 32 ties will be played between Friday and Sunday.
The Jubilee Cup is being organised by the Malta FA as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, and all clubs will be keen to put their name on this prestigious piece of silverware.
The competition will provide an added challenge for Premier League sides as, according to the competition’s regulations, throughout the competition, not more than five players who have not formed part of the youth sector would be allowed on the field of play.
Action on the field of play gets under way this evening when Birkirkara takes on Victoria Hotspurs at the Centenary Stadium on Friday, and it will be interesting to see if the Gozitan side, who have some players with Premier League experience in their ranks, can create problems for the Stripes.
On Saturday, Ħamrun Spartans, Floriana, and Hibernians will make their first appearance in the competition, and neither side should find any problems to progress.
The Spartans will be up against Senglea Athletic while Floriana take on Birżebbuġa St Peter’s.
Naxxar Lions face a real test of character when they face Challenge League side Sta Lucia.
On Sunday, Sliema Wanderers take on St Andrews, while Tarxien Rainbows could face a potential banana-skin against Gozitan side Kerċem Ajax, who are showing they can challenge for the main honours on the Sister Island.
Marsaxlokk and Valletta will be up against the two teams who last their top-flight status last season when they face Balzan and Melita, respectively.
Two matches one should keep an eye on for potential upsets are the ties between Mosta and Gozitan champions Qala Saints, while Żabbar St Patrick take on Pieta Hotspurs.
The Last 16 round will come to an end on Monday when Lija Athletic face Attard.ż
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