Direct clash in chase for top four spot

Balzan come up against a resurgent Floriana side on Saturday in a direct clash between two teams vying for a place in the top four.

The two teams have been impressive in different parts of the season particularly Balzan, who managed to maintain consistency throughout the campaign after a positive transfer campaign before the start of the season.  Both teams have most certainly exceeded their season expectations so far in this campaign.  Currently both sides are equal on 21 points in fourth place.

Balzan will probably be the more confident side going into the fixture with the main reason being that they managed to beat top sides like Valletta and almost eliminating Hibernians in the FA Trophy.

The greens on the other hand; despite their current position in the table, have struggled against the top teams this season and have lost all direct encounters including their previous encounter with Balzan.

Balzan Coach Oliver Spiteri is expected to keep the same starting line-up that defeated Naxxar Lions last weekend, with Edison Zarate operating as an advanced midfielder and Bojan Kaljevic starting in attack.

Floriana will have hitman Matteo Picciollo returning to the team after a suspension which ruled him out against Tarxien and will be hoping to add more goals to his tally following an impressive campaign so far. 

Both sides have no suspension problems for this clash with both Coaches having their strongest set of players at their disposal.

(Saturday, 2pm, Hibernians Stadium)

Hibernians Vs Pieta; 4pm at the Hibernians Stadium

Leaders Hibernians face Pieta Hotspurs on Saturday in the second match at the Hibernians Stadium with the runaway leaders hoping to make it four straight wins and further extend their lead at the top.

The match could have serious repercussions for Pieta where another loss at the weekend would put them in a very uncomfortable position in their fight against relegation.

With their crushing victory over Zebbug last weekend, Hibernians made it three straight wins and stretched their unbeaten record to 24 games.  Given their current form and ability to score goals with ease, it will come to no surprise should they remain undefeated for the whole season.

The Hotspurs on the other hand have done reasonably well for a side being promoted from the first division and have always gave a good account of themselves against tougher opposition.  They have been unlucky at times and they must certainly be hoping that their 1-1 draw against Sliema in their last match would be the ideal boost in their upcoming games.

Not many changes are expected for either side with Branko Nisevic most likely retaining the same formation which destroyed Zebbug 5-0. 

Pieta however will have their in-form winger Claudio Frances return from suspension with the latter being a continuous threat to the opposition with some dazzling runs down the wing.

Both teams have no suspension problems for this encounter.

(Saturday, 4pm, Hibernians Stadium)