Joint second placed Birkirkara and Hibernians will be facing a crucial test this afternoon when they face each other at the Hibernians Stadium.
It is an important match for both sides. Not only do they have to cancel the memories of last week’s results – Birkirkara suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hamrun and Hibernians were forced to a 2-2 draw by neighbours Tarxien – but they also have to stay within striking distance of Valletta.
The latter would have opened a nine-point lead with an expected victory over Rabat last night. This means that even a draw will see neither side happy.
The two sides will be eager to return to winning form but there will be three key players missing today’s match. They are the suspended Adrian Pulis and Zoran Levniac of Hibernians and Paul Fenech of Birkirkara.
In the other match today, Tarxien Rainbows will come up against Floriana.
For the Rainbows it is another opportunity to maintain their current positive trend which has seen them moving steadily up the table.
For Floriana and new coach Stephen Azzopardi, it is another test – the first one really – after their disappointing performance in the derby against Valletta where the Greens were somewhat outclassed by their great rivals.
Tomorrow, the Balzan-Mosta clash promises to be the highlight as the two teams are riding the crest of the waves at present.
Balzan are full of enthusiasm after their splendid 1-0 win against Sliema last week while Mosta will be seeking to register another win in the hope of maintaining their strong challenge for a place in the Top Six and a possible berth in next season’s Europa League.
In the other match, Qormi will be seeking to return to winning form as they face Hamrun Spartans.
Qormi suffered a big setback when they went down to newcomers Melita the past weekend and now need to rebuild their confidence if they are to achieve a positive result against the Spartans.
The latter showed their best form so far this season in disposing of the strong Birkirkara side last week. Now they hope to maintain that trend in the hope of moving out of trouble as early as possible.