Revelation side Balzan Youths will have their credentials seriously tested tomorrow when they face neighbours Birkirkara in the most important match in the Premier League this weekend.

In tomorrow’s other match, Hamrun and Mqabba face each other in a bottom of the table clash, while today, Floriana and Valletta should be able to register wins against Mosta and Marsaxlokk respectively.

After the partial setback from the goalless draw against Sliema, Valletta have the best opportunity to bounce back quickly. Today they face bottom placed Marsaxlokk whose hopes of salvation seem to be receding fast.

The citizens, who have made many changes to their squad during a busy January transfer window, should have little difficulty in disposing of Marsaxlokk’s challenge.

The southern seasiders have now gone through six consecutive defeats after a goalless draw against Mosta on 20 November. That was the last point earned by the troubled side now under the charge of coach Anton Cremona.

Floriana and Mosta are two teams who have had a very healthy start to the second round of this first phase.

They now face each other with Mosta ready to taste revenge against a side which literally robbed them of three points in the first round match. On that day, Mosta were leading 2-0 till a few minutes from the end, but Floriana hit back strongly to score three times and win 3-2.

Mosta have strengthened their ranks considerably since that day and Floriana, despite their current positive run, must be aware that they are facing one of the most in-form teams at present.

Floriana have now gone through four consecutive wins. This weekend they should assure themselves of their berth in the Top Six.

The Balzan-Birkirkara match tomorrow is delicate for both sides.

At present, Balzan enjoy a one-point lead over the Stripes and a victory tomorrow for Ivan Zammit’s side will push them closer to a historic Top Six berth.

The Youths themselves must have never imagined that they would be fighting for such a prestigious position in the standings. Their aim at the start was certainly that of avoiding a quick return to the First Division.

But their performances so far have made them the revelation side of the season. In January, they continued strengthening their team, even if they will have to do without newcomer Jamie Pace in midfield and defender Rennie Forace.

On current form, they are set to give their Yellow and Red neighbours a good run for their money.

The Stripes, in fact, have disappointed their numerous followers with some slipshod displays so far this season. It is no secret to say that they have been the most inconsistent side in the Premier League so far.

Before the start of the season, they were considered by many to be Valletta’s main challengers for the title. Instead, they have been a great flop.

Now with Cilia and Decesare moving to Sliema, they are basing their hopes of a revival on the return of striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

The latter’s inclusion could bring about the tonic needed by the Birkirkara front line which has been found wanting on several occasions this season.

The Stripes are also aware that a victory is needed to push them closer to a Top Six berth. At present, four clubs – Sliema, Balzan, Birkirkara and Qormi – are still very much interested in this battle which will see one of them being constrained to play in the Relegation Pool in the second phase.

The match between Hamrun and Mqabba tomorrow is also important to both teams. They both need the points in preparation for the second phase in the knowledge that these will be deducted by half.