The Premier League continues today with two important matches which should confirm an increase in sporting antagonism between some of the top teams after the midweek spate of ‘surprise’ transfers.

Today at Ta’ Qali national stadium, champions Sliema Wanderers will be facing Marsaxlokk in the first match, while the other one that follows pits Birkirkara and Floriana.

It is by far one of the most interesting programmes so far this season. In fact, I feel that these two matches should attract a sizeable crowd to Ta’ Qali this afternoon.

The past few days have been dominated by the ‘surprise’ transfers, foremost among which was that of Etienne Barbara who joined Birkirkara when he was expected to sign for Sliema from Marsaxlokk.

Another surprise transfer – if it can still be considered a susprise these days – was the move of Floriana goalie Matthew Camilleri to the Greens’ arch rivals Sliema Wanderers.

In other moves we heard of, Hamrun’s Mauro Brincat moving to Floriana while Birkirkara also snapped up San Gwann defender Antonio Saliba who last year was voted as the first division’s best player.

All or most of these players will be available to play for their new teams this afternoon and this should make a trip to Ta’ Qali enjoyable and, perhaps, also entertaining.

Sliema and Marsaxlokk will certainly be the top card on the agenda after the sensation u-turn in Etienne Barbara’s transfer – a repeat of the Orosko Anonam transfer to Sliema.

Sliema are thought to have been seriously annoyed by the attitude of the player and even the club’s management with whom it is known agreement had been reached over the transfer of Barbara early in the week.

Apart from the sequence of events concerning this transfer, it is evident that there will be more friction as the two sides are battling for the three points – for obvious reasons.

Sliema are passing through a very bad patch at present having collected just one point from their last three league matches – they also lost to Birkirkara in a Super Five Cup final during the same period.

The Blues, considered by many, if not all local football enthusiasts, as having the best local talented players among their ranks, have been in disappointing form since missing midfielder Stefan Giglio, and recently also Claude Mattocks, through injury.

But it was no good excuse especially after having also failed in their match against lowly and modest Lija on Wednesday where they were ‘surprisingly’ beaten by a late goal from Elton Camilleri.

The Blues are no longer the league leaders and now they cannot afford another defeat as they wish to keep in close contact with leaders Valletta.

On the other hand, Marsaxlokk, fresh from their impressive 3-0 win over Pieta, also on Wednesday, will be looking forward to take advantage of Sliema’s bad moment to move closer to a Championship Pool place.

Atanas Marinov’s side showed considerable improvement last Wednesday especially with the introduction of Bulgarian midfielder Mitko Trendatilov who, quite rightly, was also voted man of the match after an impressive performance.

In the second match, Birkirkara and Floriana will also be seeking precious points to keep in touch with the top places. The Stripes had seven regulars missing in the 3-2 defeat to Pieta last week. But coach Stephen Azzopardi will be able to recover some of them for today’s match, apart from also having newcomers Barbara and Saliba available.

Also making a return to the side will be Mark Anthony Bonnici and George Mallia who had missed the Pieta match through suspension. Lucian Dronca and Haruna Doda’s inclusion up front is still very much in doubt.

It is to be noted that Barbara will be joining some of his former Floriana team-mates at Birkirkara – Justin Haber, William Camenzuli, Jean Paul Mifsud Triganza and George Mallia all arrived from Floriana.

On their part, the Greens have landed the signature of Hamrun Spartans midfielder Mauro Brincat and this youngster should give the side a fresh impetus, especially in a sector where it has been sadly missing the influence of Brazilian Andre Da Silva.

The latter is expected to be included in the squad by Willie Vassallo this afternoon, but it is still unknown whether he will make it to the starting line-up, considering that he has been ruled out through injury for more than two months.

The Greens are also hoping to win the points that matter to keep dreaming as outsiders for the league title.