High flying Valletta are expected to gain three more points by beating bottom side St Patrick in the Premier League match this evening at the Centenary Stadium. (Kick off 7pm).

A win for Valletta will enable them to widen the gap at the top to six points over second placed Sliema Wanderers,after the latter’s surprise defeat against Lija Athletic on Wednesday.

The champions however have a game in hand, incidentally also against St Patrick.

Although starting as clear favourites and boosted by the news that Oretan will soon join their ranks for the rest of the season, Valletta need to improve upon their performance to maintain the challenge after a lackustre narrow win against Lija last week-end.

St Patrick, still without a league win, have nothing to lose and are expected to give another stern challenge to the leaders after they were narrowly beaten (1-2) in the first round match.

The Saints have often proved difficult opponents to many stronger sides this season but lack of consistency lets them down.