Hibernians, Birkirkara eye FA Trophy boost

Hibernians and Birkirkara will be looking to bounce back from league heartaches when they will bid to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Meridianbet FA Trophy on Wednesday evening.

The Paolites face a tough route to the quarter-finals when they take on Gżira United at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, while Birkirkara have, on paper, an easier route to the last eighth when they face Challenge League side Pieta Hotspurs at the Centenarhy Stadium.

Hibernians have been a bit under pressure in the last few weeks as after their Super Cup triumph over Ħamrun Spartans, they have seen their hopes of a place in the Top 6 in the Closing Round suffer a triple blow following defeats to Marsaxokk (2-1), Ħamrun Spartans (1-0) and Floriana (1-0).

Branko Nisevic’s men, who have already missed out on a Top 6 berth in the Opening Round, will surely prioritise a strong run in the Cup and try to emulate last season’s achievement of winning the FA Trophy to book their place in European football.

However, Hibernians need to step up their game by several notches to see off a resolute Gżira United side, who in the past few weeks have shown a lot of promise and look well poised to reach the Top 6.

Darren Abdilla’s men have managed some excellent results against the top sides in the division lately and will relish the opportunity to further pile more misery on the Paolites and set up a quarter-final showdown against Mosta.

The Maroons surely have the tools to cause problems to Hibernians and we could be in for an absorbing encounter at Corradino.

At the Centenary Stadium, Birkirkara will start as clear favourites to see off the challenge of Pieta Hotpurs and move into the quarter-finals of the cup competition.

The Stripes seem to have found their feet when Paul Zammit replaced Gianluca Festa head coach.

However, in recent weeks, Birkirkara seems to have started to stutter as after they were held to a goalless draw by Mosta, last week, they stumbled to a stunning 3-0 defeat to Żabbar St Patrick, a defeat that surely jeopardised their push for Top 6 berth.

Still, Birkirkara should hold too much firepower for the Hotspurs and set up a quarter-final showdown against Żabbar St Patrick.

PLAYING ON WEDNESDAY

TONY BEZZINA STADIUM

Gżira Utd vs Hibernians     19.00

CENTENARY STADIUM

Pieta H. vs Birkirkara           20.15