It is a decisive final round of matches in the 2018-2019 Premier League.

The final matches are expected to deliver the final outcomes in three issues - the title, the 4^th place and a potential Europa League berth for next season, as well as the relegation issue, where only one team - Pieta Hotspurs - so far is certain to play first division football next season.

Yet, not all may be over by the end of the week, as there is still the possibility that there might be the need for some decider/s to determine the winners/losers.

The programme this weekend does not include direct matches, but no fewer than eight clubs are still in the hunt for precious points.

THE TITLE

At the top Valletta will be facing Hamrun Spartans (4^th place) while Hibernians will be playing against Balzan (also 4^th place).

If Valletta win, they will be declared champions. If Valletta lose and Hibs win, then Hibs will be declared champions. If Hibs win and Valletta draw their respective matches, there will be the need for a decider to determine the title winner.

With regard to the 4^th place, if Hamrun win against Valletta, they will definitely finish 4^th. If that match ends in a draw and Balzan beat Hibernians, then a decider will become necessary between the two teams to determine the 4^th place occupier.

But there is also another possibility. If Hamrun lose against Valletta, Balzan draw or lose against Hibs, and Sliema beat Pieta, then Hamrun and Sliema will have to meet in a decider to determine the outcome in this issue.

RELEGATION ISSUE

In the relegation issue, the question is: Who will be accompanying Pieta into next year's first division?

The situation at present shows 12^th placed St Andrews on 21 points, two ahead of 13^th placed Qormi. And 11^th placed Senglea are on 23 points.

Let us not forget that the 13^th and 14^th placed teams at the end of the campaign are automatically relegated. The team finishing 12^th will get involved in a playoff against the third placed in the first division to try to avoid the Drop.

Senglea are obviously the best placed team to get mathematically safe, but they might still face that playoff if they lose against Birkirkara and St Andrews win against Gzira.

If all three teams lose their last matches, then Qormi will be automatically relegated while St Andrews will be involved in the playoff.

If St Andrews lose against Gzira and Qormi beat Mosta, then Senglea will be mathematically safe whatever the result of their match against Birkirkara. In that case, St Andrews will join Pieta into next year's first division, while Qormi will play the decider against the third placed in the first division.

 

Programme

Premier League

Today

National Stadium

6pm Tarxien R.-Floriana

8pm Qormi-Mosta

 

Hibernians Stadium

8pm St Andrews-Gzira

 

Victor Tedesco Stadium

8pm Birkirkara-Senglea

 

Tomorrow

Centenary Stadium

4pm Sliema W.-Pieta H.

 

Hibernians Stadium

4pm Hibernians-Balzan

 

National Stadium

4pm Hamrun S.-Valletta

 

First Division

Today

Luxol Stadium

6pm Sirens-Swieqi

8.15pm Pembroke-Zebbug

 

Sunday

Centenary Stadium

1.45pm Mqabba-Gudja

4pm Naxxar L.-Marsa

6.15pm San Gwann-Vittoriosa S.

 

Victor Tedesco Stadium

4pm Sta Lucia-Lija Ath.

6.15pm Zejtun C.-Qrendi