The seventh round of the Premier League continues this afternoon at the National Stadium with two big matches.

In the opening clash, Hibernians take on Sliema Wanderers, while in the match that follows, Valletta take on Birkirkara.

It promises to be a very keen and entertaining afternoon at Ta’ Qali and a bumper crowd is expected at the national stadium especially for the second game between City and Stripes.

In the other matches to be played tomorrow, also at the National Stadium, Balzan take on Melita in the first match on the card while Tarxien face Mosta in the final match in this round.

Valletta lead the standings on a maximum 18 points. They are followed by Hibernians and Birkirkara on 15. Mosta are fourth on 12 points, Sliema fifth on 10, Floriana sixth on eight, Tarxien are seventh on seven, Qormi and Hamrun follow on six, Balzan have four points, with Rabat and Melita propping up the table with only one point each.

Without any shadow of doubt, the highlight of the weekend is the clash between Valletta and Birkirkara.

Not only is it considered as a rival derby, but it also brings face to face two of the best squads in the competition this season.

The same as Hibernians last week, I expect Birkirkara to offer a serious challenge to the champions, even if Mark Miller’s boys are considered by all as having the best elements all round in their squad.

While Valletta are expected to have all their players at the disposal of Miller, Birkirkara will have to do again without the services of the injured Ryan Scicluna.

If Valletta win, not only will they extend their perfect record at the start of the season, but they will also maintain their three-point lead at the top – this, of course, if Hibernians beat Sliema in the first match of the afternoon.

On the other hand, Birkirkara have already lost one match against Sliema and they will be expected to do their utmost to lower City’s colours for the first time and at the same time join them in top place on 18 points.

Hibernians will be eager to return to winning form today against Sliema who seem to be on the way to recovery after two successive wins.

The Paolites were disappointed to have lost their clash against Valletta. But now they have to return to victory in the hope that the citizens’ triumphant march at the top is halted by Birkirkara in the second match this afternoon.

Sliema are back in the top six after gathering maximum points from their last two matches. However, the side still lacks that confidence which should see them through in difficult moments.

This was in evidence last week when they only made sure of victory against Rabat with two late goals.

For the Blues, this will be a big test to assess their true potential at the end of the first quarter of the championship.

Tomorrow, Mosta will also be eager to obtain three more points as they face Tarxien Rainbows. The Blues have now won four matches on the trot and the way they are getting the results is not only impressive, but also making everyone consider them as having already booked a place among the top six!

But they will have to avoid playing with over confidence if they wish to keep their current trend.

Tomorrow’s opponents, Tarxien, will certainly prove to be tough opponents, despite the fact that they were overwhelmed by Birkirkara last week.