Hibernians will have to beat Birkirkara this afternoon if they are to keep their slim hopes of winning the title alive.

The Paolites are well aware that if they fail to win – even a draw will not suffice – and Valletta win their clash against Sliema tomorrow, then the citizens will be declared champions for a second consecutive time. This is simply because the gap will then increase to eight points with just six points available from the remaining two matches.

This is more or less the remaining interest in this year’s Championship Pool, although the race for third place between Floriana and Birkirkara still goes on. This despite the fact that both teams are assured of a berth in the Europa League next season. This is because Sliema have no further chance of reaching the third place, Qormi did not apply to take part (they are still in the FA Trophy) and Hamrun also cannot play because of their ban.

Tomorrow, Valletta will be facing Sliema Wanderers hoping that Hibs will falter today so as to make sure of the title even with a point from a draw. Of course, the citizens will be interested onlookers at today’s Hibs-Birkirkara match.

The citizens have been the most consistent side once again this season and they are not expected to falter at this stage of the competition when they are so near to the title win.

Sliema have no further interest in the competition and will be expected to continue experimenting with some new faces in preparation for next season.

The major interest remaining in the Premier League revolves round the Relegation issue where three clubs – Mosta, Tarxien and Mqabba – are still very much involved with only three points separating them before last night’s Mosta-Tarxien clash.

Mqabba will have to beat the already relegated Marsaxlokk tomorrow if they are to continue their battle against relegation till the end. That is the only result they have to concentrate upon to give their rivals a veritable challenge till the end.

Mqabba are well aware of the very difficult programme facing them. In fact, in their last two matches, they are scheduled to meet the top two Relegation Pool clubs, Qormi and Hamrun Spartans.

These two clubs face each other today in a match which will serve them as preparation for their future FA Trophy semifinal commitment, that is when the League comes to an end in mid-May.