Sliema and Valletta have the opportunity to distance themselves from direct rivals Hibernians and Birkirkara respectively this afternoon when two important matches are on the card at Ta’ Qali national stadium.

In the opening match, Sliema will be facing Hibernians, while in the match that follows, Valletta face Birkirkara.

There is no doubt about the importance of the matches for all the four teams. They will certainly be looking for a victory to boost their hopes for a better challenge in the second phase, but the team most under pressure is Birkirkara, who are already 10 points adrift of the leaders.

The Stripes certainly cannot afford to lose more points if, as they said, they still entertain hopes of challenging seriously for the title.

Of course, if they win today and Sliema lose against Hibs, the league will be wide open once again. But it is what happens on the field of play that gives the points to a team and not by just assuming on the table!

The Stripes have not been passing through a good patch of late. Their defeat against Sliema sent them reeling. Today, however, they will have a stronger squad at Stephen Azzopardi’s disposal.

Even the citizens have made good signings which should strengthen the team considerably. Gilbert Agius must have been relieved that he now has Chris Oretan close to him and Mark Galea. And Branko Nisevic will also give Massimo Grima a big helping hand at the back.

It should be a keenly contested match where the hearts of the citizens will be facing the technique of the Birkirkara players.

The two teams will have the advantage of knowing the result of the Sliema-Hibs encounter which is to be played before and therefore they will know what they will be after mostly.

Sliema have confirmed they are the team to beat once again this season and in the match against Birkirkara, they showed all their good qualities with their defence showing that it is the strongest on its day.

But Hibernians seem to have sneaked in through the back door and the Paolites know quite well that a victory today will push them to just three points adrift of the leaders.

Robert Gatt’s boys have also been playing well in the second round of the first phase, especially since that come-from-behind 4-2 win against Birkirkara.

They are playing some entertaining football as well and with the inclusion of David Camilleri on the left flank, they could even pose a more serious problem for the champions.

Everything points to two very keen and entertaining matches at Ta’ Qali this afternoon.