Maltese football takes centre stage this weekend as the Meridianbet FA Trophy resumes, with all Premier League teams making their first appearances in the competition between Saturday and Sunday. The tournament promises exciting match-ups as clubs look to balance cup ambitions with league campaigns.
The standout tie of the round sees Floriana face Marsaxlokk at the Tony Bezzina Stadium this afternoon, kicking off at 4.15pm. Floriana, currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League, will be keen to maintain their winning momentum and pursue cup glory after three seasons without a major domestic trophy. The Greens have already defeated Marsaxlokk twice this season in 2-1 victories and will aim to extend their perfect record against the southerners to secure a Last 16 spot.
Floriana will again be without midfielder Charles M’Mwomba, who is representing Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations. Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, returning from a long-term injury, could feature. Marsaxlokk, meanwhile, are looking to recover from recent Premier League setbacks and will be motivated to keep their cup hopes alive.
Holders Hibernians are expected to progress comfortably when they face Challenge League side Gudja United at 16.30. The Paolites, who missed out on the Premier League Top Six, may use the tie to give playing time to fringe players while ensuring passage to the next round.
Birkirkara, last year’s finalists, take on Gozitan side SK Victoria Wanderers at 14.00. The Stripes have struggled in recent Premier League matches, suffering five consecutive defeats and sitting at the bottom of the Top Six. Coach Gianluca Festa will hope for a morale-boosting cup victory ahead of the transfer window.
League champions Ħamrun Spartans will host National Amateur League One Victoria Hotspurs at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, aiming to overcome their FA Trophy history and progress with a strong squad. Injuries and recent departures, including striker Semar Smajlagic and midfielder Ante Coric, may see fringe players feature.
Valletta and Sliema Wanderers also target victories when they meet Pembroke Athleta and Swieqi United, respectively. Tarxien Rainbows face a potentially difficult tie against Gozitan champions Għajnsielem, who are chasing success in their domestic league.
The FA Trophy this weekend offers a mixture of high-stakes Premier League clashes and intriguing underdog encounters, with fans across Malta and Gozo eagerly anticipating the results.
Saturday Fixtures
Centenary Stadium
- Pembroke Athleta vs Valletta 14.00
- Hibernians vs Gudja United 16.30
- St Andrews vs Gżira United 19.00
Tony Bezzina Stadium
- Birkirkara vs SK Victoria Wanderers 14.00
- Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 16.15
Victor Tedesco Stadium
- Ħamrun Spartans vs Victoria Hotspurs 14.00
- Tarxien Rainbows vs Għajnsielem 16.30
- Sliema Wanderers vs Swieqi United 19.00
Sunday Fixtures
Centenary Stadium
- Pieta Hotspurs vs Mtarfa 11.00
- Żabbar St Patrick vs Xewkija Tigers 13.30
- Balzan vs Birżebbuġa FC 18.30
Gozo Stadium
- Qala Saints vs Mġarr United 14.00
Victor Tedesco Stadium
- Marsa vs Naxxar Lions 14.00
- Mosta vs Mqabba 16.30
- Fgura United vs St. Lucia 19.00
