The four matches being played this weekend bring to an end the second round, and thus the first phase, of the BOV Premier League.

Without any doubt, the highlight is tomorrow’s crucial match between Hamrun Spartans and Msida St Joseph, the last in the programme. The importance of this match brought about a change of venue from the original schedule at Victor Tedesco Stadium, and is now being played at the Hibs Ground at Kordin, instead (kick-off at 2.45pm).

This will decide which remaining team of the two goes into the Championship Pool, thus putting their minds at rest early against relegation.

At present, the Spartans look slightly the favourites, not only because they are going through a bright patch of form, in contrast with their opponents’ poor run of negative results, but also because Hamrun enjoy a one point lead over Msida. A draw will therefore favour the Spartans.

Furthermore, Msida have their promising young midfielder Tyrone Farrugia suspended for this match after collecting a total of four bookings this season. Farrugia has been one of his side’s most influential players so far and his absence would be sorely missed.

The Saints, who after the first round looked almost certain of a place with the top six teams, have faltered in the second round, collecting only five points in their last eight outings. Tomorrow’s match is a make or break for their aims for the rest of the season and they are expected to put in all their efforts to avoid embarrassment.

Buoyed by a victory against Valletta in last week’s match, Hamrun Spartans are confident they can join the top six after a slow start this season. However they must retain all their concentration throughout the whole match as they often tend to fade in the late stages after a pulsating start.

Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians will be in action today at Ta’ Qali against Pieta Hotspurs and Marsaxlokk respectively. Both will try to close the gap on leaders Birkirkara, staying close in the running for the title during the second phase.

Hibernians can move to within a point of Birkirkara but they face a stern challenge from Marsaxlokk. After two consecutive defeats against Birkirkara and Valletta, Hibernians were back in the groove last week against Msida. They hope to recover striker Terrence Scerri as soon as possible to boost their attacking options after failing miserably in converting their play into goals of late.

Following a disappointing performance in last week’s defeat by Pieta Hotspurs, Marsaxlokk will be all out to restore some pride. A win is a must for them if they intend to keep up their title challenge with the other three teams.

Sliema’s match will not be easy either. Pieta were the first to beat them at the end of the first round to halt their runaway start of the season. Since then Sliema have faltered, their form has waned and at times looked far from title contenders, with Birkirkara taking over at the top. A win for the Wanderers keeps them only two points adrift of Birkirkara, and that shrinks only to one when the points are halved. However several Sliema players need to recover their true form fast.

Pieta Hotspurs’ aim is to collect as many points as possible for a healthier position in the Relegation Pool before the second phase. Judging on last week’s performance they can challenge any of the last four teams and undoubtedly they are capable of making life tough for the Wanderers this afternoon.

The other match in this week’s programme, between bottom placed Mosta and Valletta, has little importance for standings’ purposes. While Valletta are already assured of a top six finish, Mosta’s struggle against the drop looks already a daunting task.