The 360 Sports Malta Premier League gets underway on Friday 16 August with the first 2 of six matches spread over three days. Much has been said and discussed on the new format, but as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
These are the six matches programmed for Match Day 1:
Balzan vs Birkirkara
Sliema Wanderers vs Mosta
Floriana vs Melita
Naxxar Lions vs Hibernians
Hamrun Spartans vs Zabbar St Patrick
Marsaxlokk vs Gzira United
The first two matches on Friday are interesting with the Balzan Birkirkara being a derby. Both teams underperformed last season and will be keen to show that they have the ability and drive to challenge for places in Europe. Sliema are on a roll and may be title contendors this season so they are expecting three points against Mosta who only just scraped through.
Last year’s runners up Floriana start against newcomers Melita and the Greens will also be hoping for maximum points. Last season’s big surprise Naxxar Lions face Hibernians who will also be looking to put past memories behind them.
The Sunday encounters at the Tony Bezzina stadium put last season’s champions Hamrun Spartans against newly promopted and ambitious Zabbar St Patrick, this is arguably the match of the weekend. Finally we have equally ambitious Marsaxlokk, who made some great signings this saeson, against Gzira United who also had a disappointing campaign last time round.
Maltasport predictions:
Balzan 0 Birkirkara 1
Sliema Wanderers 3 Mosta 1
Floriana 2 Melita 0
Naxxar Lions 1 Hibernians 1
Hamrun Spartans 2 Zabbar St Patrick 1
Marsaxlokk 2 Gzira United 1
