The Jubilee Cup draw has been made, confirming the second phase of the preliminary round, the round of 32, and the full road to the final on 8 December. The bracket offers a blend of heavyweight ties and cross-island tests, with Premier League clubs entering alongside ambitious sides from the Challenge League and Gozo.
The second phase preliminary round features six ties: Fgura United v Mtarfa, Veterans Malta FA v Birżebbuġa St Peter’s, Żurrieq v Qormi, Kirkop United v SK Victoria Wanderers or Nadur Youngsters, Melita v Marsa, and Mġarr United v Gudja United. Winners progress to complete the last thirty-two.
The round of 32 delivers several eye-catching fixtures. Birkirkara v Victoria Hotspurs, Mosta v Qala Saints or Żebbuġ Rovers, Tarxien Rainbows v Kerċem Ajax or Għajnsielem, Żabbar St Patrick v Pietà Hotspurs, Hibernians v Kirkop United or SK Victoria Wanderers or Nadur Youngsters, Valletta v Melita or Marsa, Naxxar Lions v Santa Lucia, Floriana v Veterans Malta FA or Birżebbuġa St Peter’s, Marsaxlokk v Balzan, Gżira United v Fgura United or Mtarfa, Sliema Wanderers v St Andrews, Ħamrun Spartans v Senglea Athletic, Żurrieq or Qormi v Vittoriosa Stars, Sirens v Żebbuġ Rangers, Attard v Lija Athletic, and Mġarr United or Gudja United v Swieqi United.
The draw places several traditional rivals on converging paths later in the competition, while Gozo representatives face demanding away assignments on the mainland. With the route to the showpiece now set, attention turns to dates and venues to be confirmed by the Malta FA, and to whether the capital giants and title contenders can navigate an early round full of potential shocks.
