The BOV 2021/22 Premier Division returns to action this weekend after a two-week international break with the clash between Hibernians and Hamrun Spartans as highlight of Match Day 9. Birkirkara face Santa Lucia in a tricky test while Valletta play Sliema Wanderers in another classic encounter.
Mosta v Gzira United – 20.11.2021 (14.00 hrs) – Tony Bezzina StadiumMosta and Gzira United aim to clinch the three points to move away from the relegation zone. Placed 8th and 9th respectively in the table with same number of points, both teams had a rather disappointing start to the season. It is the Maroons who are desperate for a victory as they were defeated in their last two outings and also lost contact with the runaway group. Above all, their main objective was to challenge for the first four places. But now they look to stop an early season slump that many did not see coming. On the other hand, Mosta have picked up eight points in their last four matches and will see this encounter as another opportunity to earn more points in their struggle for survival. The Blues will be without the suspended Tyrone Farrugia, who was sent off in their last league match against Sliema Wanderers. However, Jonas Rodriguez Ekani will return from suspension to give their defence a boost. Gzira will be without the suspended centre-back Luke Tabone. Last season, Gzira beat Mosta twice, 6-1 and 2-1. In fact, Mosta have not beaten Gzira in the last nine mutual matches both teams played against each other, as the Blues recorded their last win over Gzira in a Premier Division match played on 17 September 2016 (2-1). Sliema Wanderers v Valletta – 20.11.2021 (16.00 hrs) – National StadiumTwo old rivals cross swords in this classic match, the 258th meeting between the two in history. While Sliema Wanderers are rooted in the bottom of the table, Valletta have climbed to third place after they picked seven points in their last three matches.After such a negative start to the campaign, this is a must-win game for the Wanderers as their MPL record so far reads four draws and four defeats, failing to score in four matches. This means they are in need of their first win which could help them to push on from their dreadful state and re-establish themselves in the Premier League. But they will be facing an intimidating team, which after a slow start is on course to reach the European positions … and possibly presents itself as one of the main contenders for the title. While the Lilywhites are expected to field their best starting formation, the Blues will welcome the return of influential Dutch midfielder Danny Holla from suspension, while Jean-Paul Farrugia could make his first start this season after returning with the club from their adventure in the Middle East. Last season, this clash ended in a goalless draw, while Sliema have beaten Valletta only once in 32 matches since the year 2011. Gudja United v Floriana – 20.11.2021 (18.00 hrs) – Tony Bezzina StadiumThis is a meeting between third place Floriana and third from bottom Gudja United, a tricky test for the Greens who turned defeat into a 2-1 dramatic win against Gzira United thanks to a volley in stoppage time from Ryan Camenzuli. A victory strengthens Floriana’s hold on third place in order to remain in the top six, keeping their hopes alive for a European spot. On the other hand, Gudja are in a critical position after three successive defeats, and are embroiled in an early season fight to get away from the drop zone. Until the end of the first round, 9 points are on offer in the three next encounters (Floriana, Gzira United and Mosta) as they will be seeking to earn as many points as possible which could define their future in the top flight. Gudja will be without the suspended Hubert Vella, while Matias Garcia and Augusto Caseres return for Floriana from suspension. In the seven previous meetings in history between the two, Gudja have only beaten Floriana once. Last season, Floriana beat Gudja twice; 2-1 and 1-0. Santa Lucia v Birkirkara – 20.11.2021 (11.30 hrs) – Tony Bezzina StadiumThis is the first meeting to be played as a morning fixture since a long time, a modern-day novelty in the Premier Division. Second placed Birkirkara face second from bottom Santa Lucia, who imagined their start of the season differently. The Stripes start as firm favourites but Santa Lucia will look to register their first win of the season after six draws and two defeats. However, Birkirkara have been outstanding this season, still unbeaten while all the statistics are in their favour, having a psychological advantage over their opponents. Above all, three points are necessary to keep pace with MPL leaders Hibernians. On the other hand, this is a tough task for Sta Lucia and should bounce back from the 5-3 defeat against Valletta to lift themselves from the relegation battle and start rebuilding their expectations. Both teams should field their best formations. This will be only the fourth time in history both clubs meet at senior level. Santa Lucia have not scored against Birkirkara as yet, but could find some heart knowing that last season, they kept the Stripes on a goalless draw in the Premier Division. Sirens v Balzan – 20.11.2021 (14.00 hrs) – National StadiumThe mid-table clash between Sirens and Balzan promises to be an interesting game as the winner of this encounter will keep in touch with all the top half teams in the table, a balanced encounter is expected which could go either way. Balzan beat Gudja 1-0 before the international break, while Sirens lost with the same score against Hamrun Spartans.Both Kemar Reid and Degran Jackson will return from suspension for Sirens while Balzan most probably will be unchanged after their success on Gudja. It will be the 25th encounter in history at senior level in MFA competitions, most of these were played in the 2nd & 3rd Divisions. In the Premier, both teams only met twice. During season 2019/20, Sirens beat Balzan 4-2, which was their first win over Balzan since 1989, while last season, Balzan won this encounter with the minimum score of 1-0. Hibernians v Hamrun Spartans – 20.11.2021 (18.00 hrs) – National StadiumThis is the stand-out fixture of Match Day 9, a real six-pointer. Leaders Hibernians will be looking to secure a return to winning ways after two back-to-back 1-1 draws against Valletta and Birkirkara respectively. On the other hand, a victory for Hamrun would boost their hopes to get their Premier League title charge back on track as they close the gap to only three points, throwing the title race wide open. The Spartans have won their two last outings against Sirens and Gudja and look to add Hibernians as well to make it three wins ins a row.Hibernians have no injury or suspension problems, while Hamrun still miss their two influential midfielders Jorge Ailton Soares ‘Dodo’ and Predrag Djordjevic, while goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez was added to this list about ten days ago as well. The match is a real classic, it will be the 168th encounter in history between the two and was for the first time played in 1933. Interestingly, Hibernians did not manage to beat Hamrun last season, as the first-round match ended in a 2-2 draw, while Hamrun beat Hibernians 1-0 in the 2nd round encounter. But looking at the last ten matches played, Hamrun only managed to beat Hibernians twice, while the Paolites came out victors on four occasions. No matter what, this promises to be a real nail-biting encounter!