Sliema desperate to end winless run

Mosta have seen a slight improvement in fortunes in the New Year almost inflicting a first defeat to leaders Hibernians last weekend having had the lead for long periods of the game.  They will however be needing a win this weekend if they are to put some distance between themselves and Sliema who sit just one point behind in seventh place.

One of Mosta’s main priorities during the January transfer window was to tighten up a leaky defence which has the second-worst record in the league with 41 goals conceded and will need to be particularly on alert to cope with their opponents’ improving attacking threat.

The Wanderers themselves are going through a torrid winless run, losing twice in their last three matches leaving them in seventh on 24 points.

Sliema will be boosted by the signing of Mosta forward Matheus Ribeiro on loan, with Mosta strengthening their back line with the signing of Gambian Ousman Koli.  The Gambian previously played in France, Slovenia and Bangladesh.

Sliema will be without suspended new signing Matheu Ribeiro.  Mosta have no suspension problems and should be at full strength.

(Saturday 2pm, Hibernians Stadium)

Neighbours Tarxien and Hibs clash this weekend

Big Test for Tarxien against neighbouring leaders

Tarxien meet neighbours Hibernians on Saturday afternoon in an attempt to derail the Paolites’ train stream rolling towards a title success this season.

The Rainbows have spent months in crisis this season but temporarily stopped the rot in their last two matches earning a win and a draw against Qormi and Floriana respectively.

Meanwhile Hibernians remain unbeaten in the league and despite drawing in both of their last two matches; they have only failed on three occasions to bag all three points resulting in a commanding lead of their closest rivals.

Such is their impressive lead atop the standings and their invincibility so far this season, that there has been no alarms going off after their below par performances in their last two matches.  In fact, a goal towards the end from Tarabai rescued the leaders’ blushes against Mosta in a game they had to chase for long periods in the game.

The collective defensive work of Branco Nisevic’s side and the good form of keeper Bonello have powered Hibernians to an impressive unbeaten record this season.

Tarxien have suffered through a season which began brightly enough for them, having gone unbeaten in their five opening fixtures of the season and even holding Hibernians to a 1-1 draw in the first round.  However the old wounds have resurfaced as Tarxien currently sit in eight place just three points above the drop zone.

A series of injuries and below par performances from their foreigners have seriously crippled the Rainbows this season.  However they will be boosted by the signing of Senegalese forward Mouhamed Soli and will banking on their new signing to turn their fortunes around.

Hibernians will be without Rodolfo Soares Dos Santos who is out through suspension; while Tarxien will be lacking Ryan Sammut also out through suspension.

(Saturday, 4pm, Hibernians Stadium)