The Bank of Valletta Premier League resumes this weekend with some very interesting matches which could see some changes in the standings come next Monday evening.
At the top Valletta, having bridged the gap with former leaders Floriana, will now be facing another tough battle, this time against Birkirkara. On the other hand, Floriana meet lowly placed Gudja.
Hibernians, Sirens and Gzira, the immediate title challengers, must win their clashes against Mosta, Sta Lucia and Balzan respectively if they are to maintain their title challenge.
At the other end of the standings, it will certainly be tough for Gudja against co-leaders Floriana; for Sliema and Senglea, it is an opportunity to get closer to those above them. Senglea face Hamrun on Monday while Sliema meet Tarxien today.
TOP MATCHES
The top clashes this weekend and Balzan v Gzira, and Valletta v. Birkirkara. As already said, Floriana will be facing relegation-haunted Gudja while Sirens take on Sta Lucia.
The Valletta-Birkirkara match receives top priority not only because of the current position of Valletta at the top, but also because of the big rivalry that exists between the two clubs.
At present, Valletta are enjoying a good moment as they have managed to join Floriana at the top of the standings.
The citizens now seem to be well on track to defend their title successfully, even if they have to be very careful tomorrow.
It will definitely be a tough match against the Stripes who have shown considerable improvement in their recent matches and have gone up the standings. They are now occupying a respectable 6th place, although still far away from offering a strong challenge for a European berth next season.
In the first round, it was a 2-2 draw between these two teams, but I expect Valletta to go all out for the three points, especially if the Greens, as is widely expected, beat Gudja this afternoon.
For the Greens, this is a good opportunity to reclaim top position, in the knowledge that Valletta might drop points against Birkirkara.
But they must not ignore Gudja. The latter are fighting hard to avoid relegation and in this sense, they are in need of points.
Gzira also need the points to maintain their title challenge even if this received a setback in their last two matches against Sliema and Floriana from which they collected only one point.
And against Balzan it will not be an easy task. Despite their 7th placing, Balzan can be a tough opponent for any other team in the top places as witnessed recently by Valletta and Floriana.
Although Sirens lost against Hamrun last Monday, they are still only four points away from the leaders, so their match against Sta Lucia this afternoon is also important for both teams.
The St Paul's Bay side, considered as the revelation side this season, are coming from a shock 1-2 defeat at the hands of Hamrun Spartans.
They will certainly be looking forward to return on the winning track in the hope that those above them will slip this weekend.
However, Sta Lucia are passing through a very bright patch at present having collected no fewer than 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four matches.
They held Valletta to a draw and beat Gzira and direct relegation rivals Gudja and Tarxien as they moved up three places, three points above the relegation zone.
Hibernians also hope to return to winning form after gaining just one point from their last two matches - a defeat against Sirens and a draw against Senglea.
A victory is imperative for the Paolites in the knowledge that they are still within striking distance from the top duo.
Their opponents Mosta have no relegation worries at present as they are sitting pretty in mid-table. But they are also aware that a negative run could put them back in trouble.
For Senglea and Sliema, it is also a question of points when they meet Hamrun and Tarxien respectively.
The toughest task seems that of Senglea, but having held Hibernians to a draw last week, they are now full of optimism as they face Hamrun Spartans.
Sliema are passing through a dull moment and against Tarxien they will be hoping that the change of coach will get them back on the winning path.
It seems to be the best opportunity to collect all the points as the Rainbows now seem already resigned to their fate after having lost to Sta Lucia in their last match. They remain with just four points from 17 matches.