Floriana may make sure of their place in the top six and Marsaxlokk could move a step nearer this afternoon if the two sides win this their matches against Msida St Joseph and St Patrick respectively.
At present, Floriana are in fifth place on 23 points, followed by Marsaxlokk on 20 and Pieta Hotspurs on 20. Msida have seen their chances recede drastically after they were docked two points in midweek following the incidents near the end of their match against Pieta. They are lurking behind in eighth place on 15 points.
If Marsaxlokk win against St Patrick today, their fate would have been sealed as the southern seasiders would only have to contend with Pieta for a sixth place.
In the first match this afternoon at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Marsaxlokk will have to be considered favourites to beat St Patrick, but after recent performances by the team from Zabbar, the southern seasiders will certainly not take things for granted.
In fact, St Patrick have now gone through two consecutive victories which have built up their morale in view of their chance of being able to put in a stronger challenge in their efforts to avoid relegation.
The Saints have moved up to eight points and are aware that Msida are now closer after the latter were docked two points.
However, Marsaxlokk will have two new elements among their ranks in the form of Under 21 internationals Cleaven Frendo and Andre Schembri, two very talented players who have joined them in the past two days from Pieta and Hibernians respectively.
On the other hand, Marinov’s team will have David Camilleri missing as he has been transferred on loan to Hibernians as part of the Andre Schembri deal.
Marsaxlokk will definitely look a stronger side with the new arrivals, but it might take some time before these can integrate into the scheme of things. This has already happened to other players who had joined the side during the summer months.
In the second match, Floriana are aware that they need a victory at all costs to ascertain their presence among the top six.
Against Msida, demoralised after having two points docked and depleted through the absence of some injured and suspended players, the Greens should be considered favourites for the three points.
Msida will be out of contention for a top six place if Marsaxlokk win today’s first encounter against St Patrick, but if this match ends in a draw, then that sixth place will still be possible. In fact, a victory over Floriana today will push them to just three points behind Marsaxlokk and in the last encounter of the first phase, the two sides meet each other in what could be a do-or-die clash for the Saints. They would then need another victory to force a decider, always if Pieta do not qualify for the sixth place themselves, at the expense of both teams.