Four teams battle for points in survival fight

The Hibernians stadium plays venue for the first weekend match between two clubs struggling for points as Pieta face Naxxar.

Both sides are coming from very dry spells in terms of both points and performance with Pieta losing to Zebbug in a direct relegation clash last week, and Naxxar losing 0-3 to champions Valletta.

The last meeting between the pair ended in an easy drubbing for the lions beating their opponents 4-0 with goals coming from Daren Falzon, Terence Vella and a brace by Emenike Mbachu.

On a positive note, Pieta managed to secure qualification to the FA Trophy’s quarter final round after beating Victoria Hotspurs in extra time.

Both sides are now in a serious need of points in the prospect of having to play to last part of the season in the relegation pool.  Both sides have managed just four wins so far with Naxxar currently on a five match winless streak.

Naxxar coach Jesmond Zerafa has not yet been able to turn his team’s fortunes around since replacing Winston Muscat and failing to register a win against the blues will surely put his team in the relegation scramble this season.

Pieta on the other hand will be hoping their defeat against Zebbug Rangers last week will not let them affect their confidence particularly at such a delicate phase of the season.

Naxxar will be without Albert Bruce for the match against Pieta.  Pieta will have a full squad available for this direct encounter for survival.

(2pm, Saturday, Hibernians Stadium)

Qormi and Zebbug look to climb up to safety waters

Qormi face fellow strugglers Zebbug in the second match at the Hibernians stadium in other direct clash for survival.

Zebbug currently sit at the bottom of the table two points below Qormi and Pieta and can leapfrog both sides by claiming three points.  The canaries come into this match high on confidence after beating Pieta last week and will look to this weekend’s game as a good chance to move from last place in the table.

Qormi managed another quarter final qualification in the FA Trophy after a positive display against Floriana earned them a 3-1 victory.  On the other hand, they again failed to show the goods in the league where they suffered another defeat against fellow strugglers Tarxien.

Both teams have no suspension problems and should field their best formations for the contest.

(4pm, Saturday, Hibernians Stadium)