Sliema Wanderers will be aiming to extend their winning streak to seven matches this afternoon but first they have to overcome what is expected to be a stiff challenge from Marsaxlokk.
And if they win that match, then their immediate challengers will again be under more pressure, especially Hibernians who, at present, are the closest to the Blues, three points adrift.
The Paolites will be in action tomorrow as they face Valletta in what could also prove to be a tough test for Robert Gatt’s second placed team.
The card also includes the Birkirkara-Hamrun S. match today and a clash between Msida St Joseph and Pieta Hotspurs tomorrow.
Marsaxlokk have not yet finished their commitments in the transfer market, or so it seems. In fact, last Thursday they announced the arrival of technical director Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia in the hope that the team finally starts clicking and getting the victories that are still eluding them.
Against Sliema it will be very difficult, but it is not impossible. With Marinov remaining club coach, at least until the end of his contract which expires at the end of this season, the southern seasiders will be going all out to start a new era in winning mood.
The Marsaxlokk squad has a lot of potential, but they still have to be moulded into the strong team one expects them to be. So far, they have been very unimpressive and today, no one will expect them to make the grade against Sliema.
The champions seem to be in no mood for mercy this season. Even when they have played badly, there has been the element of luck in their favour which continues to confirm that Edward Aquilina’s boys must still be considered firm favourites to claim a fourth consecutive title.
Tomorrow, Hibernians will be forced to win against Valletta, especially if Sliema win again this afternoon.
No doubt, Valletta will try their best to stop the Paolites’ positive run as they are in need of precious points themselves to lift themselves from the bottom part of the table.
The citizens will still be without strikers Gilbert Agius and Ian Zammit, but one expects former Hibs striker Ndubuisi Chukunyere to make his debut and to join Jerry Ani in attack.
Today, Birkirkara must recover after their 5-2 debacle against Hamrun Spartans. That defeat sent the club eight points away from the leadership and that could also be a big gap to bridge, even when the points are halved at the start of the Championship Pool.
The Stripes will have coach Stephen Azzopardi sidelined for two matches after his fiery outburst near the end of the match against Hibs on Monday when he was sent off by referee Joe Attard.
The Spartans have made a somewhat good recovery having won their last two matches in succession.
Tomorrow, the Msida-Pieta clash could be worth watching as both teams are occupying a mid-table position and both are fighting to win a place in the Championship Pool.
Msida cannot afford to miss the chances which come their way, especially like those which they missed against Sliema. Pieta will certainly keep a close eye on Msida’s Nigerian strikers Nwoke and Babatunde as they will probably opt to play a defensive game in the hope of garnering a point.