Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/731331
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2016 51 Sport SPORTTODAY FOOTBALL Premier League Preview of matches to be played today WARREN ZAMMIT Balzan vs Gzira Utd Balzan will go into this match sitting at the top of the table af- ter beating Hibernians 2-0 on Thursday. On the other hand, the Maroons occupy sixth place after two wins, two draws and a defeat. Oliver Spiteri's side will start this match as favourites when considering their recent run of results. However, they will have to guard against complacency since the first division cham- pions have shown on many oc- casions that they can be a hard team to beat. Balzan's coach will have all the squad available for selection while Brank Nisevic will have to do without Antonio Orlando de Queiroz Machedo Neto who was handed a one game suspension. Pembroke Athleta vs Birkirkara After a fantastic run in Europe, Birkirkara won their first three matches, but were beaten by Sliema Wanderers in their fourth game. However, they returned to winning ways against Mosta. The same thing could not be said about Pembroke Athleta. Winston Muscat's side started the season in a horrible way and are still to collect a point after five matches. This scenario puts Birkirkara as favourites to collect all the three points in their bid to chal- lenge for honours. Sliema Wanderers vs Tarxien Rainbows Sliema will go into this match knowing that they need to play with more passion if they are to climb up the table. After defeat- ing Birkirkara, John Buttigieg's side were expected to do well against St. Andrews. However, the Wanderers suffered a 3-0 de- feat. On the other hand, after a bad start in the Premier League, Tarxien will be looking to keep their run going after winning the last two matches against Flori- ana and Ħamrun Spartans. This run of play will put Tarx- ien Rainbows as favourites for this match; however, Sliema Wanderers are still to show their true potential. Valletta vs Hibernians In a much anticipated clash, both Valletta and Hibernians will be looking to bounce back from their defeats against Flori- ana and Balzan. Valletta made a good start to the Premier League by winning their first three matches. How- ever, they were held by Balzan and beaten by Floriana in their last two matches. On the other hand, Hibernians are lacking consistency. After their defeat against Ħamrun Spartans, Mark Miller's side managed to win three matches, but were defeated by Balzan in their previous encounter. Valletta will have the up- per hand in this fixture mainly due to the depth that they have in their squad. However, Paul Zammit will have to do without Leandro Aguirre who was hand- ed a two match suspension after being sent off late in the game against Floriana. YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt Santiago Malano of Valletta being challenged for the ball by Floriana's Steve Pisani PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMINIC BORG