This weekend’s fixtures in the BOV Challenge League are set to bring excitement, with crucial games impacting the Top 8 standings and the relegation fight. Here’s a detailed look at the key encounters on Matchday 12.
Sirens v Mgarr United (18 January, 14:00, Victor Tedesco Stadium)
Sirens and Mgarr United will kick-start the action on Thursday in what is anticipated to be a closely fought-contest.
Sirens, led by Steve D’Amato, are eager to rebound after a shocking FA Trophy defeat to Qrendi, which followed another league loss. On the other hand, Mgarr, having had a free weekend, will aim to regroup under Brian Spiteri. Their forward Christian Saint Ebisindor, recently back from Gzira, could be a decisive factor up front.
Historically, Sirens have dominated this fixture, winning 15 of their 27 encounters. However, the teams haven’t faced off at this level in over eight years.
Pietà Hotspurs v Valletta (18 January, 14:00, Centenary Stadium)
Valletta, under Thane Micallef, will look to maintain their unbeaten streak into 2025 against a struggling Pietà side. With Rowen Muscat making a remarkable return from injury and young talents like Ayrton Attard excelling, the Citizens are well-positioned to challenge for promotion.
Meanwhile, Pietà are enduring a challenging spell. A heavy FA Trophy loss to Marsa last weekend highlighted their struggles, further compounded by Emmanuel Bio’s suspension. Their last league win came against Marsa in December, but consistency has been elusive.
Valletta’s superiority in this matchup is evident, with 32 wins in 42 meetings. Pietà’s last victory over the Lilywhites came in 2014.
Senglea Athletic v Lija Athletic (18 January, 16:30, Victor Tedesco Stadium)
This match sees two teams battling to avoid the drop. Lija are just above the relegation zone with eight points, while Senglea are in a danger spot with six.
Senglea recently replaced Robert Cassar with Ivan Casha as head coach, though the team’s fortunes are yet to improve. Both teams face defensive absences, with Alex Cini (Senglea) and Julian Camilleri (Lija) suspended.
While Lija hold the historical advantage with 20 wins from 40 encounters, Senglea will hope to replicate their 2-0 victory from last season.
Gudja United v Swieqi United (18 January, 16:30, Centenary Stadium)
Swieqi United are firmly in the hunt for a Top 8 position, trailing second-placed Valletta by just five points. A win against Gudja United could be crucial for their promotion ambitions.
Gudja, however, remain a challenging opponent under Orosco Anonam’s guidance. They will miss striker Diego Silva, the league’s second-top scorer, while Swieqi will be without Augusto Caseres, their FA Trophy match-winner against Pietà.
Swieqi have struggled against Gudja historically, winning just four of their 13 meetings.
Tarxien Rainbows v Santa Lucia (19 January, 16:30, Victor Tedesco Stadium)
The much-anticipated derby between Tarxien Rainbows and Santa Lucia returns after a three-year gap. Both teams are level on points, making this a key clash in the Top 8 race.
Santa Lucia, under Liam Mangion, are in excellent form with six consecutive league victories, despite operating with one of the smallest squads. Tarxien, meanwhile, have found some consistency, winning their last two matches.
Santa Lucia’s dominance in recent derbies, including a 7-0 rout in their last meeting, makes them favourites. However, Tarxien will aim to end a 20-year wait for a derby win.
Marsa v Żebbuġ Rangers (19 January, 16:00, Centenary Stadium)
This historic matchup between two traditional clubs sees Marsa entering as favourites following an impressive start to 2025. Consecutive wins, including a 5-1 FA Trophy triumph, have boosted their confidence.
Żebbuġ, however, are desperate for points with tough fixtures ahead. Both teams are expected to field their strongest line-ups, including Johann Bezzina for Marsa, who missed their FA Trophy game last weekend.
Marsa have won 25 of their 57 encounters, though Żebbuġ will hope to replicate their 2021/22 double over their rivals.
St Andrews v Mtarfa (19 January, 18:30, Centenary Stadium)
The weekend concludes with a relegation clash between St Andrews and bottom-placed Mtarfa. Both sides seem destined for the Play-Out, but three points here could spark a revival.
Mtarfa’s form has slightly improved under new coach Rodney Bugeja, though survival remains a daunting task. St Andrews, under Jose Borg, are enduring a tough campaign, with their sole win coming in November.
St Andrews have dominated this fixture, winning both encounters last season.
As the promotion race heats up and the relegation battle intensifies, this weekend’s matches in the BOV Challenge League are poised to deliver thrilling action and key outcomes.
