In the first match of Saturday’s action from Matchday 3 of the YoHealth Malta Premier League, reigning champions Ħamrun Spartans take on Mosta at 17:00 at the National Stadium.
Ħamrun come into this fixture fresh from a historic achievement, securing qualification to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League following an aggregate win over RFS of Latvia.
However, on the domestic front, they are still searching for their first league win, having been held to two draws by newly promoted sides Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta.
While their early league struggles may be excused due to their European commitments, Ħamrun’s supporters will now expect nothing less than three points and a convincing performance to properly kick off their title defence.
On the other hand, Mosta come into this match full of confidence. After a 3-1 defeat to Marsaxlokk in their opener, they bounced back impressively with a win over title contenders Sliema Wanderers. Despite facing another top side, Mosta will believe they can cause an upset. However, they’ll be without Nigerian midfielder Chukwuemeka Eke, who was sent off in the final minutes of their last match.
The last time these two sides met was in the Closing Round of last season, when Ħamrun claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Joseph Mbong and Raphael Lopes.
