Undoubtedly today's second match between leaders Sliema and second placed Hibernians is the highlight of the first day of the second round. Following yesterday's match between rivals Valletta and Birbirkara, all eyes will be focused on this top of the table clash, where Hibernians will have a golden opportunity to catch with the champions.

Hibernians are surely playing the better football at the moment and will be boosted with the return of midfield maestro Essien Mbong who has served a match suspension. A setback for Robert Gatt's plans is the loss of start striker Andrew Cohen who was sent off in Hibernians' sounding win against Marsaxlokk. However Haruna Doda is coming to form at the right and his contribution could prove vital this afternoon.

On their part Sliema were surprisingly beaten in their last hurdle of the first round against Pieta. The Wanderers are passing through a difficult moment with the injuries to key players their main concern.

They will most probably have Turner and Joe Brincat missing, but will hope to recover in time other key players like Anonam, Stefan Giglio and Mattocks. Defender Darren Debono will surely be missing serving a match suspension.

In today's first match, high flying Msida will try to avenge the first round defeat against lowly Mosta. Although lying in the lower part of the table, Mosta are no pushovers, and are surely playing a very solid and attractive football. However they lacked the necessary experience in the first round and missed some precious points in the process.

Msida were surely the positive surprise of the first round, and today's match should result in a balanced and exciting affair, as both sides are capable of producing fast attacking football.

In tomorrow's programme all sides will be eager to gain points in their quest to avoid the relegation pool. In the first match Floriana will be doing their utmost to gain their first win of the season against Pieta Hotspur. In the first round nine-mea Pieta had surprised the Greens beating them 2-0.

Deanov's boys are coming from the stunning victory against Sliema, and it will not be an easy task fro the Greens. Floriana will be without goalkeeper Simon Agius and defender Julian Briffa, both suspended. This could be one of Floriana's last chances to avoid the relegation pool, but to reach their goal they must start winning from tomorrow.

In the last match of the programme Marsaxlokk will face Hamrun Spartans.

This is a tricky match for both sides and both are in need to restore some lost pride following their poor showings in their last matches.

Ray Zazu Farrugia at the helm of the Southseasiders, has to work very hard as the team is still far away from its real worth.

Tomorrow Farrugia will have to do without internationals Andre Schembri and Steve Wellman both suspended.

Hamrun made great strides forward following their dismal opening, but were given a football lesson against Msida. However the Spartans' main aim this season is to avoid relegation, and preferably to finish in the championship pool.