After a two-week break, the Premier League resumes this weekend with the first batch of matches of the final round.
With five matches to go, Sliema seem well poised to register a third consecutive title win as they are enjoying a five-point lead over second placed Valletta, seven over third placed Birkirkara and eight over Hibernians.
Although one cannot safely say that the championship is decided, however, it is evident that the main interest, at least at the moment, concerns the runner-up place which seems to be contested by Valletta, Birkirkara and Hibernians. They are only separated by three points with five matches to go.
Today, Valletta will be meeting Marsaxlokk while in the match that follows, Sliema face their ‘Old Firm’ rivals Floriana.
Tomorrow, Msida take on St Patrick in a Relegation Pool match before Birkirkara take on Hibernians in what should be the most interesting clash this weekend.
The Blues have already set their sights on the title and they have a good chance of extending their lead at the top this weekend.
The Wanderers, in fact, are expected to overcome Floriana’s challenge as the latter now have no further interest having also been booted out of the FA Trophy by Birkirkara last week.
With Valletta still reeling after their defeat at the hands of Marsaxlokk in the Trophy, it is evident that the seasiders will have a psychological edge over their rivals and that could hamper Valletta, who must now return to winning form if they are to maintain the runner-up place to book their place in the UEFA Cup next season.
For the citizens, it is their only hope of playing in Europe next season, even though they still have a remote chance to take part in the less lucrative Intertoto Cup.
However, the citizens will have to improve considerably to overcome the Marsaxlokk challenge. Marinov’s boys also have no further interest in the league proceedings but they are taking the remaining matches as preparation for the Trophy which they hope will again be their door to European football – for a second consecutive time.
And tomorrow, the Blues may also stand to gain if the Birkirkara-Hibernians match ends in a draw which is quite possible as well.
Hibernians will be expected to make a bold effort to finish second or third in the league to push aside their Trophy disappointment – they were also eliminated last weekend by Msida St Joseph and, like Valletta, their only hope of advancing into the UEFA Cup is via the runner-up placing in the league.
Birkirkara, who are in the Trophy semi-finals, can expect some tough opposition from the Paolites, but they will also be going out for the points as they also wish to make certain of a place in the UEFA Cup via the second place in the league.
Tomorrow’s match could take more interesting proportions were Floriana to beat Sliema this afternoon which is, however, highly unlikely. Only in that case and if Birkirkara beat Hibernians tomorrow, will the Stripes, and possibly Valletta (provided they beat Marsaxlokk today) will get back in contention for the title.
In the only Relegation Pool clash, Msida St Joseph should be considered favourites to garner the three points from their clash with St Patrick, especially after their morale-boosting FA Trophy win over Hibernians last week.