Both Tarxien Rainbows and Birkirkara FC will be eager to bounce back when they meet at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Tuesday 28 October 2025 (9pm) in a YoHealth Premier League Matchday 10 encounter that sees two sides looking to rediscover form after disappointing weekends.
For Birkirkara, the 2–0 defeat to Floriana marked their first loss under Italian coach Gianluca Festa, who had gone unbeaten in his first eight matches in charge. The Stripes, currently seventh with 13 points, had shown improved consistency since Festa’s appointment, combining solid defensive organisation with the attacking flair of Kemar Reid and Franklin Sasere, who have three goals each this season. The setback against Floriana, however, halted their momentum and exposed lapses that Festa will be determined to correct.
Tarxien Rainbows, meanwhile, continue to struggle near the bottom of the table. Their 3–1 defeat to Gzira United at the weekend mirrored their earlier 3–1 loss to Hibernians, underlining persistent defensive frailties that have cost Jacques Scerri’s side valuable points. With just five points from nine matches, Tarxien remain joint-bottom and have now lost four consecutive league fixtures.
Despite their position, Scerri’s side have shown glimpses of attacking quality, with goals spread across several players including Kwasi Donsu, Nhaysonn Rosa, and Willian Salomao Filipe. However, defensive discipline and consistency remain major concerns, with the team still seeking their first clean sheet of the season.
Historically, the odds favour Birkirkara, who have won 12 of the last 13 league encounters between the two clubs and have scored in 26 consecutive meetings against Tarxien. The Rainbows’ last league victory over the Stripes dates back to October 2014, a 3–1 result.
Tarxien will be without Octavio Leal De Barros, suspended after being red-carded in their last match, while Festa’s side will miss Francisco Lopez Garrone for the same reason.
Both teams also rank among the most ill-disciplined in the Premier League. Birkirkara have accumulated 32 yellow cards (joint-most in the league), while Tarxien have 24.
For Scerri, this fixture also carries personal weight: he has never beaten Birkirkara in ten managerial meetings, collecting just four draws. Festa, on the other hand, will aim to show that the Floriana defeat was only a temporary stumble in his early tenure.
With both sides determined to respond after defeat, and with Tarxien fighting for survival while Birkirkara push to stay in the top half, Tuesday’s clash promises intensity, pressure, and the hunger for redemption.
