Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians will be looking to put disappointing campaigns behind them when they face each other, with both clubs determined to start the new season on a positive note.

Both sides missed out on European qualification last season and will be hoping for a much-improved campaign this time around. The opening fixture therefore represents an important opportunity for both teams to lay down a marker and begin the season with confidence.

The fixture appears to be particularly demanding for Sliema, with the Wanderers facing another difficult test against Floriana immediately after this encounter.

Sliema have been active during the summer, bringing in several new players as they look to strengthen their squad. The club have also secured new sponsors, providing further optimism ahead of the new campaign.

Hibernians, meanwhile, have made significant investment, including in foreign players, as they look to build a stronger squad capable of challenging for a much better position in the standings. Last season proved to be a difficult one for the Paolisti, particularly towards the final stages, when there were periods in which relegation became a genuine concern.

Both Sliema and Hibernians finished in the bottom six during the latter phase of last season, something they will be determined to avoid this time around.

With both clubs having strengthened over the summer and expectations of a better campaign, this opening encounter could provide an early indication of whether Sliema and Hibernians can turn their ambitions into results on the pitch.