Second placed Valletta and third placed Birkirkara will both have to face this weekend’s clashes against Marsaxlokk and Hibernians respectively without key players who are suspended.
And with the Stripes facing league leaders Hibernians on Monday evening, Valletta are forced to win today’s clash against Marsaxlokk if they are to retain their hopes of challenging the Paolites for the title till the very end.
Lying six points behind the Paolites, the citizens are aware that Hibernians are firm favourites to beat Birkirkara on Monday with the Stripes having to face this clash without the services of suspended Ronnie Hartvig and Shaun Bajada.
If Valletta drop more points today, then the Paolites will be able to extend their lead further on Monday with a victory over the disappointing Stripes.
Mark Miller’s boys seem to be unstoppable this season and following their handsome 5-0 win against Sliema last Monday, they now look forward to beat the Stripes again after their 3-2 come from behind win in the second round of the first phase.
The citizens were held to a goalless draw by Floriana the past weekend and against Marsaxlokk this afternoon, they will have to take the field without the services of goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, midfielder Roderick Briffa and striker Ian Zammit.
This is a big blow for coach Paul Zammit who will have to reshuffle his side, even if the team has not managed to click merrily so far this season.
Against Marsaxlokk, this will be no easy task. The southern seasiders last week upset Birkirkara 2-1 and if they manage to win again today, then they will be back in contention for a place in the Europa League next season, providing of course that recent events do not damage their position in the Premier League.
The other Top Six clash is being played tomorrow and this features the ‘Old Firm’ partners’ encounter between Floriana and Sliema.
It is a pity that these two teams are passing through such a delicate moment at present, but both are aware that they are still fighting for a possible berth in next season’s inaugural Europa League.
The main interest at present revolves round the Relegation Pool where a battle royale is being staged by all the four clubs. At present, only two points separate the top club, Tarxien Rainbows, from bottom clubs Qormi and Msida. And this confirms that every match being played is to be considered like a decider.
Today the in-form Rainbows will be facing Msida St Joseph in what is considered as the top clash this weekend.
The Rainbows are aware that another victory this afternoon will give them an edge apart from enabling them to play with more confidence in their remaining three matches.
On their part, Msida are unrecognisable from the team which we witnessed in the first phase. After having missed the bus to Marsaxlokk in their final matches, the Saints have continued with their slide down the standings and are now being considered as firm favourites for relegation.
Unless Joe Abdilla’s side is able to stop this negative run, they will certainly be facing an uphill battle in the remaining three matches.
Tomorrow, Qormi, full of enthusiasm after their 5-0 thrashing of Msida last week, will now be meeting Hamrun Spartans, themselves heavily beaten 5-1 by Tarxien Rainbows.
The two sides are in need of the points and another close affair is expected with the Spartans aiming to return to winning form after last week’s debacle.