Four matches on Saturday in the BOV Premier League

With three games left in the BOV Premier League 2014/2015 season, there won’t be a lot to play for when Sliema Wanderers take on Mosta on Saturday.

Both teams will be aiming to register every last point out of mediocre seasons which currently sees them occupying sixth and seventh place with Sliema holding a three point advantage over their opponents on Saturday.

Sliema have scored more than Mosta so far this season with a tally of 41 so far, and Mosta scoring 34.  The similarities don’t end there as both sides have gone on to a number of win-less runs this season with Mosta however suffering heavier defeats on a number of occasions.

Sliema will have to do without the services of Djumo Bocar while Mosta have no suspension troubles.

(Saturday, 5pm, Victor Tedesco Stadium)

Tarxien, Qormi continue fight for survival

Tarxien face Qormi in the second match on Saturday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in a clash which could potentially determine who will be forced to play a relegation play off.

The Rainbows are currently on 17 points, two ahead of 10th placed Qormi and a win for Tarxien would almost secure their status in the top flight for another season. 

For Mark Miller’s men however this is a must win match if they are to avoid the dreaded play offs.  Qormi have undoubtedly improved since Miller took over even managing to register draws against the likes of Birkirkara and Floriana.

However Qormi are finding wins hard to come by, haven’t not won in in five matches and suffering a huge defeat at the hands of Balzan last week.

Tarxien’s recent form has been quite the opposite with the Rainbows heading into this clash on the foot of two consecutive wins.

It has been a constant struggle for the Rainbows this season and their hopes at the beginning of the season of making it among the top six teams where quickly tarnished after even finding themselves at the bottom of the table.

Qormi’s struggles also had their effects with the club installing Mark Miller as their new coach in January after going into a thirteen win-less run which saw them register their worst ever run in the top flight.

Qormi were 1-0 winners in the first round courtesy of a goal from Alfred Effiong, with Tarxien claiming the reverse fixture 2-1.

No team will start as favourites however for this do or die fixture.

Both teams will be at full strength for the encounter with neither clubs having any suspensions or injuries

(Saturday, 7:15, Victor Tedesco Stadium)

Pieta look for winning formula against Zebbug

Pieta Hotspur will be hoping to return to winning ways against fellow relegation candidates Zebbug with both teams continuing their battle for survival.

Saturday’s fixture at the National Stadium will feature two teams who struggled throughout the season and two teams possessing different playing styles.

Zebbug come into the game following a 1-3 defeat against Birkirkara, while Pieta head into the game after a goalless draw with Naxxar Lions.

Pieta’s recent form has been somewhat alarming with the Blues not having won a match in 10 matches with their last victory coming late in January against Qormi.

Goals and most importantly luck have been missing for Pieta with the side conceding late goals on a number of occasions.

Zebbug’s best result this season has surely been their surprise 3-2 win over Valletta in what has otherwise been a most difficult season.

Pieta will be without the suspended Christian Grech for this encounter.

(5pm, Saturday, National Stadium)

Valletta, Birkirkara fight it out for second place

Valletta and Birkirkara may go into this fixture knowing Hibernians have already been declared champions, but will still go into the match knowing a victory would all but secure second place for either side.

In fact Birkirkara are currently in second place on 42 points, with Valletta closely behind them in third place on 41.

In a fixture which on paper is always alluring, not much excitement is expected this time round with both sides largely being disappointing throughout the course of the season.

Valletta have by far been the most disappointing after their double last season, with the club going through ups and downs and even replacing Gilbert Agius with former player Ivan Zammit.

Most definitely Valletta will be looking to make some big changes over the summer with the majority of their players over 30 expected to leave the club.

Birkirkara were hardly impressing, with Paul Zammit’s men struggling for momentum or the sort of form which saw them lose out to the title on the last day of the season last year.

Yet both sides head into the game in some good form with both sides advancing to the last four of the FA Trophy.  The stripes have not tasted defeat in 17 matches with their last defeat coming in 2014 in a 4-3 defeat against Pieta.

Valletta on the other hand have also enjoyed a positive run with their last defeat dating back to mid-February against Zebbug.

In the first round Birkirkara defeated the citizens 2-0, while the second round ended in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams have no suspension problems for this clash with both coaches expected to field their strongest line ups.

(7:15pm, Today, National Stadium)