All is set for an enthralling grand finale to the Bank of Valletta Premier League this afternoon as the 26th and last round comes to an end with the final four matches.

With the games involving the relegation clubs having been played yesterday, it is the championship title and the 4th place issue which have to be decided, though possibly not this afternoon.

In fact with Valletta and Balzan, both having 55 points in the race for the title, it is evident that a decider will become necessary if both win or lose their matches against Gzira and Hibernians respectively.

In the three-horse battle for 4th place it is somewhat different. Birkirkara are leading this trio of clubs by one point. They have 44 points to the 43 of Hibernians and Floriana.

It is to be remembered that this 4th place may still land the final occupant in next season’s Europa League if Valletta or Balzan win the Trophy.

Birkirkara are in an advantageous position as they have two chances. If they beat Hamrun today – a draw might not be enough - they will make sure of 4th place, but if not and they miss out on 4th place, they could still reach the Europa League via the FA Trophy – of course they have to win it.

That is the very interesting situation which faces local football this afternoon. And yet, there could be no decisions today as there is still the possibility of deciders having to be played to determine the outcomes.

In all the years I have been following local football (51 years plus), I never remember such an enthralling finale to our top competition. May I also point out that this competition has been the first ever which has been contested by 14 teams, something which, at first, did not go down well with local football followers.

There were matches which lacked the necessary interest and competitiveness necessary to attract more spectators to the local venues, but in these last few weeks, I could note an increase in the number of spectators as the results generated the desired interest, although I feel the attendances are still well below those of previous seasons.

Because of the various points of interest (including the relegation issue), the MFA was faced with the problem of where to play the matches and at what time. At the end, in my opinion, the right decision was made, that is, to have the relegation matches involving St Andrews, Mosta, Tarxien and Naxxar to be played yesterday and the matches involving the Championship and 4th placed teams scheduled for today – all beginning at the same time, but all at different venues.

 

The Championship

The citizens have to return to winning form against Gzira after being held to a 1-1 draw by their arch rivals Floriana last week – a result which saw them losing their grip on the leadership.

In fact, with Balzan beating Senglea, the former joined Valletta at the top on 55 points. And everything now hinges on this afternoon’s clashes.

Valletta will be facing the Maroons who made sure of their berth in next season’s Europa League by claiming third place after defeating rivals Sliema Wanderers.

On the other hand, Balzan will have to overcome Hibernians who will still be fighting for 4th place, even if the Paolites are aware that Floriana, at least, have a very good chance of reaching the 46-point mark as they face bottom placed and relegated Lija.

This could prove to be a tricky match for Balzan who had to struggle to beat mid-table placed Senglea last week to remain in the hunt for the title.

Balzan are aware that Hibernians will not be just staring at them. The Paolites also need the points especially if Birkirkara fail to beat Hamrun.

 

The 4th place

This issue could also be very interesting and we could also have a decider to determine the outcome.

If Birkirkara fail to win against Hamrun and Floriana and Hibernians win their matches, the latter two teams will overtake the Stripes in the standings, finishing on 46 points.

This shows that the Stripes will not be content even with a draw and they have to go out in search of a win against the Spartans to make sure they finish ahead of Floriana and Hibernians.

The Spartans have no further interest in the League or the Trophy. Like Floriana and Hibernians, they have also been eliminated from that competition.

 

Suspended players

On this last day of the Premier League, five clubs will have players missing through suspension.

Birkirkara are the worst hit as they have three players ruled out for the match against Hamrun. These are Nick Borg, Carlos Goncalves and Jake Grech.

Balzan’s Carlos Eduardo de Fiori Mendes is also out of the game against Hibernians. Floriana will be without Jurgen Pisani and Maurizio Vella while Lija will have to play without Sidibe.

Gzira have to face Valletta without Sacha Borg and Ndubisi Okoye.