The second match of Saturday at the National Stadium kicks off at 19:15, with Hibernians facing a Naxxar Lions side still searching for their first win in the YoHealth Malta Premier.
Hibernians come into the match on the back of a lively 2-2 draw against Mosta on Wednesday, a result that keeps them in the top side of the table. Together with Valletta and Ħamrun, Branko Nisevic’s men sit just one point behind leaders Marsaxlokk. However, the Paolites will now have to navigate the coming months without club icon Jurgen Degabriele, who recently underwent an ACL surgery and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
For Naxxar, it’s been a difficult start to the campaign, with three defeats and a single draw from their opening four matches. While it’s still early in the season, the signs suggest it could be a long and challenging fight for survival unless results improve quickly.
Last season, however, Naxxar did enjoy a rare highlight against Hibernians, claiming a 1-0 win in the Closing Round thanks to a goal from Ryan Gilmour Cassar, a result they’ll be hoping to replicate as they look to kickstart their season.
