Today’s two matches in the Premier League at the national stadium, Ta’ Qali, involve three of the four teams at present fighting for a place in the Championship Pool.

In the first match, Msida will take on Pieta Hotspurs. In the second match it will be Hibernians-Floriana.

If one takes a glance at the standings, it seems evident that Hibernians are already almost sure of their place in the top six, while the Greens have moved a step closer after last Tuesday’s important win over Marsaxlokk.

The big battle now seems to be restricted to three teams – Pieta, Marsaxlokk and Msida – who are separated by just one point. Pieta are on 17 points, while Marsaxlokk and Msida have 16 points.

The match between Msida and Pieta seems to have grown in importance and both sides will be eager to win the points at stake to advance to a higher position.

Msida now have promising youngster Paul Fenech among their ranks while, on the other hand, it is still to be seen how Pieta will fare without star striker Ivan Woods, who has now moved to Sliema Wanderers.

Moreover, the Hotspurs will have two players – Ortas and Farrugia – missing through suspension and coach Georgy Deanov will certainly have to reshuffle his team.

Hibernians are passing through a good moment at present and another victory this afternoon against Floriana will see them moving even closer to the two joint leaders, Valletta and Sliema, at least until tomorrow, when Valletta will be in action.

On their part, the Greens will make almost sure of their top six place if they manage to beat the Paolites.